Valentina di Giorgio
(ZENIT News / Rome, 09.24.2023).- After concluding the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, and outside of his public schedule, Pope Francis made his way to the headquarters of the Italian Senate to express, through his presence and prayer, his personal affection towards the former President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, and his family, and to honor the great service rendered to Italy.
Photo: Vatican Media
The Pope’s visit to the lying-in-state chapel set up in the Palazzo Madama, the Senate’s headquarters, took place around 1:15 in the afternoon. President Napolitano passed away on Friday, September 22nd, after a convalescence of four months.
On the same day of his death, Pope Francis sent a telegram to the widow, Mrs. Clio, with the following message:
«THE PASSING OF YOUR HUSBAND, SENATOR GIORGIO NAPOLITANO, HAS STIRRED IN ME FEELINGS OF EMOTION AND, AT THE SAME TIME, GRATITUDE FOR THIS STATESMAN WHO, IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS HIGH INSTITUTIONAL FUNCTIONS, DISPLAYED GREAT INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES AND SINCERE PASSION FOR ITALIAN POLITICAL LIFE, AS WELL AS A KEEN INTEREST IN THE DESTINIES OF NATIONS. I REMEMBER WITH GRATITUDE THE PERSONAL MEETINGS I HAD WITH HIM, DURING WHICH I APPRECIATED HIS HUMANITY AND CLAIRVOYANCE IN MAKING RIGHT DECISIONS, ESPECIALLY IN DELICATE MOMENTS FOR THE LIFE OF THE COUNTRY, WITH THE CONSTANT INTENTION OF PROMOTING UNITY AND CONCORD IN A SPIRIT OF SOLIDARITY, DRIVEN BY THE QUEST FOR THE COMMON GOOD. I WISH TO EXPRESS MY CLOSENESS TO YOU, TO YOUR CHILDREN, AND FAMILY MEMBERS, ASSURING YOU OF MY REMEMBRANCE IN PRAYER. IN OFFERING MY CONDOLENCES, I INVOKE UPON HER AND HER LOVED ONES THE CONSOLATION OF MY HEART.»
Giorgio Napolitano was the first member of the Communist Party to hold the highest office in the Italian state. As far as is known, he did not profess any religion. He was very close to Benedict XVI.
Photo: Vatican Media
