The following is the telegram of condolence on the death of the Honorable Mikhail Gorbachev, sent by the Holy Father Francis to his daughter, Ms. Irina Gorbachev:

Telegram

DEAR MADAM

IRIVA GORBACHEV

SPIRITUALLY CLOSE AT THIS MOMENT OF GRIEF AT THE DEATH OF YOUR FATHER, THE HONORABLE MIKHAIL, I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO YOU, ALL FAMILY MEMBERS, AND THOSE WHO SAW HIM AS A RESPECTED STATESMAN. RECALLING WITH GRATITUDE HIS FAR-SIGHTED COMMITMENT TO CONCORD AND BROTHERHOOD AMONG PEOPLES, AS WELL AS THE PROGRESS OF HIS OWN COUNTRY IN AN AGE OF IMPORTANT CHANGES, I RAISE PRAYERS FOR HIS REPOSE, INVOKING FROM GOD, GOOD AND MERCIFUL, ETERNAL PEACE FOR HIS SOUL.

FRANCISCUS