Pope sends condolences after death of Shinzo Abe

Shinzo Abe 2015 - Official Portrait Government of Japan

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis offered his "heartfelt condolences" to the loved ones of Shinzo Abe, the former Prime Minister of Japan, in the wake of his assassination on Friday. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sent the telegram expressing the Pope's condolences to Japan's Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Leo Boccardi.

"In the wake of this senseless act," the Pope prayed "that Japanese society will be strengthened in its historic commitment to peace and nonviolence."

Japan's longest-serving modern leader was gunned down on Friday while making a campaign speech in the city of Nara in western Japan. Since the killing there has been a steady stream of mourners visiting the assassination scene and laying flowers and tributes.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, remembered the Prime Minister, saying he was deeply saddened by his death. He said: "The attack and his death fill me with deep sadness. I had the honour of meeting the prime minister when I visited Japan. He was a man who had a great influence beyond Japan's borders. He was a very controversial person as well, however, a man of principles, a man with a great sense of the common good of his people."

The Holy Father met President Abe during his Apostolic Journey to Japan in 2019.

The original English text of Pope Francis' message follows:

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