(from New York) “We remember with gratitude” President George H.W. Bush, “this great man who spent his life selflessly in service of his country”. On behalf of the US Catholic Bishops, Card. Daniel DiNardo, President of the Bishops’ Conference, expressed his condolences over the death of the 41st president of the United States of America, who died at the age of 94 on 30 November. Last night, his casket was flown to Washington on a presidential plane, which was renamed Special Air Mission 41. As is customary for presidents, the state funeral will be held at the Round Hall of Congress, where the arrival of the former president’s casket was honoured with a 21-gun salute. “We join with people across the nation – Card. DiNardo continued – as we mourn the passing of President George H.W. Bush”. “With an unwavering commitment to building bridges of peace and ensuring our nation’s freedoms, he also inspired many as a devoted husband, father and family patriarch”. The cardinal also offered his prayers “for the repose of the soul” of the president and for his family, and remembered his “life well lived” as a role model. An official ceremony will be held on Wednesday, and President Trump has declared a national day of mourning for that day. On Thursday, the casket will be transported by rail to College Station, Texas, where The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located. He will be buried there next to his wife Barbara and daughter Robin who died from leukaemia at age 3.