Murphy-O’Connor was best known for his work to promote unity between Catholics and Anglicans.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, who served as Archbishop of Westminster for nine years, from 2000-2009, died Friday at the age of 85 after a brief hospitalization, Catholic News Agency.

He was well known for his efforts to promote unity between Catholics and Anglicans.

“I am writing to let you know the sad news that Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor died peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by his family and friends,” wrote Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster to his archdiocese on Sept. 1.

“Please pray for the repose of his soul. Pray, too, for his family, and those many friends and colleagues from the Diocese and far beyond who mourn his loss,” he concluded.

In a letter published the day of his death, Murphy-O’Connor had written to Nichols to ask for prayer from the clergy of England and Wales.

“At this time, the words I pray every night are never far from my thoughts: ‘Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit’ … I have received many blessings in my life, especially from my family and friends. I thank God for the many priests, religious and lay faithful who have helped and sustained me in my Episcopal life,” he wrote.

“Above all, as I now commend myself to the loving mercy of God, I ask them all to pray for me as I remember and pray for them,” he concluded.

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