Below is a ZENIT translation of the telegram of condolences Pope Francis sent upon learning of the death of Senator Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Former President of the Italian Republic:
**
DEAR SIGNORA FRANCA PILLA CIAMPI
C/O SENATE – GIUSTINIANI PALACE
VIA DELLA DOGANA VECCHIA 29
00186 ROMA
I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to you, your children and to all the family at this time of grief for the death of Senator Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, President Emeritus of the Italian Republic, who held public responsibility with great discretion and a strong sense of the State. Remembering the sincere friendship linking this distinguished man of institutions with St. Pope John Paul II, I earnestly offer prayers to the Lord for eternal peace of his soul. With these sentiments, I impart on you and loved ones the Apostolic Blessing
FRANCISCUS PP
**
DEAR SIGNORA FRANCA PILLA CIAMPI
C/O SENATE – GIUSTINIANI PALACE
VIA DELLA DOGANA VECCHIA 29
00186 ROMA
I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to you, your children and to all the family at this time of grief for the death of Senator Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, President Emeritus of the Italian Republic, who held public responsibility with great discretion and a strong sense of the State. Remembering the sincere friendship linking this distinguished man of institutions with St. Pope John Paul II, I earnestly offer prayers to the Lord for eternal peace of his soul. With these sentiments, I impart on you and loved ones the Apostolic Blessing
FRANCISCUS PP
[Original text: Italian]
[Translation by Deborah Castellano Lubov]
