The following is the telegram of condolence on the assassination of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, on Friday 8 July 2022, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to Archbishop Leo Boccardi, apostolic nuncio in Japan:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND LEO BOCCARDI

APOSTOLIC NUNCIO IN JAPAN

TOKYO

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE ASSASSINATION OF MR SHINZO ABE, FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN, AND HE OFFERS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN. IN THE WAKE OF THIS SENSELESS ACT, HE PRAYS THAT JAPANESE SOCIETY WILL BE STRENGTHENED IN ITS HISTORIC COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND NONVIOLENCE.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE