Here is the Vatican-provided translation of the Holy Father’s telegram to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, who announced his resignation today in Rome.
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To His Excellency,
Hon. Giorgio Napolitano
President of the Italian Republic
“Having learned of your resignation from the role of Head of State during my apostolic trip in Sri Lanka and the Philippines, I am spiritually close to you and wish to express to you my sentiments of sincere esteem and keen appreciation for your generous and exemplary service to the Italian nation, performed with authority, loyalty and tireless dedication to the common good. Your enlightened and wise action has contributed to strengthening within the population the ideals of solidarity, unity and harmony, especially in a European and national context marked by considerable difficulties. I invoke divine assistance for you, your wife and your loved ones, with the assurance of your constant remembrance in my prayers”.
FRANCISCUS PP.
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