The Holy Father has written a telegram of condolences to the family of Senator Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, former president of the Italian Republic, who died in Rome today at the age of 95. In the text the Pope notes that Ciampi “performed his public responsibilities with stately discretion and a strong sense of State” and recalls the “sincere friendship” that bound “this illustrious man of institutions” to St. John Paul II.

The Pope prays for the departed president and invokes eternal peace for his soul, conveying to his widow, Franca Pilla Ciampi, and family, the comfort of an apostolic blessing.