Pope Francis says he is appreciative of the Christian values that underpinned Margaret Thatcher’s commitment to service and promotion of freedom.
He affirmed this in a message sent today on his behalf by his secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
The former British prime minister died today from a stroke. She was 87.
“His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher,” the papal message stated. “He recalls with appreciation the Christian values which underpinned her commitment to public service and to the promotion of freedom among the family of nations. Entrusting her soul to the mercy of God, and assuring her family and the British people of a remembrance in his prayers, the Holy Father invokes upon all whose lives she touched God’s abundant blessings.”
From London, the archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, also sent condolences: “It was with sadness that we heard the news of the death of Baroness Thatcher, who served this country for many years both as a Member of Parliament and as Prime Minister. We pray for the repose of her soul and for the intentions of her family and all those who now mourn for her.”
