Europe mourns David Sassoli: a man of Christian and human values

Pope Francis receives David Sassoli at an audience in the Vatican, June 2021

Source: Vatican News/COMECE

The President of the EU Parliament, David Sassoli died this morning, after a serious illness. In a condolence message to his wife Alessandra, Pope Francis said he remembers him as a man of faith "animated by hope and charity."

The message, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on the Pope's behalf, expressed the Holy Father's spiritual closeness at this time of sorrow, and assured Sassoli's wife and two children of his heartfelt participation in the mourning that has struck Italy and the European Union.

65-year-old Sassoli became President of the 705-seat European Parliament in July 2019. He was the second Italian president since the assembly was elected by universal suffrage. He was widely respected for being a strong defender of the EU's core values, invoking a return to the spirit of its founders based on the rejection of conflict and nationalism and the promotion of peace and equality.

Pope Francis, who met him on several occasions, said he remembers him as a man of faith, "animated by hope and charity, a competent journalist and an esteemed man of the institutions who, calmly and respectfully, in his public role and responsibility, did his utmost for the common good with rectitude and generous commitment. He described him as a politician who always promoted a vision of solidarity of the European community with lucidity and passion, and dedicated himself with particular care to the least."

He concluded by raising prayers of suffrage and invoking the Risen Lord's eternal peace and consolation for those who mourn his passing.

On 17 December last, marking Pope Francis' 85th birthday, David Sassoli had sent his best wishes to the Pontiff in an interview with Vatican Radio.

On that occasion, the President of the EU Parliament described Francis' pontificate as a "magisterium that speaks to the world." He also reiterated his pledge to work for a European Union that welcomes and protects migrants and the most vulnerable members of society, as discussed with the Pope during an audience in the Vatican in June. He also upheld Pope Francis' appeal to guarantee a fair distribution of anti-Covid vaccines in the global south.

Italian Prime Minister, Mario Draghi, released a statement following news of Sassoli's death in which he described him as "a symbol of balance, humanity and generosity." Qualities, Draghi said, that have always been recognised by all his colleagues, from every political quarter and every European country.

European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen, a conservative who secured Sassoli's backing within the EU parliament despite coming from different camps, said she had lost a dear friend.

"Today is a sad day for Europe. Our union loses a passionate European, a sincere democrat and a good man," she told reporters. "He wanted Europe to be more united, closer to its people, more faithful to our values."

Writing on behalf of the Bishops of European Union, the President of COMECE, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, expressed deep sorrow at the death of David Sassoli.

He wrote: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli. He was a man of values and dialogue, with a great sense of duty, who worked for the common good as a journalist and as an EU leader to improve the democratic institutions and bring them closer to the European citizens.

Since his election as President of the European Parliament in 2019, Sassoli has accompanied the work of the European institutions on crucial topics such as youth empowerment, the fight against poverty, the recovery from the pandemic and the Conference on the Future of Europe.

As sad as the news of his death is, I am sure that his qualities as a devoted public servant have not gone unnoticed by many young Europeans, who will not only remember him but also continue his legacy in favour of democracy and solidarity.

On behalf of the Bishops of COMECE, I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues of President Sassoli. At this difficult moment, we mourn this remarkable Italian and proud European. May he rest in peace."