A condolence message from Bishop Siluan of Italy was published in Italian on the official website of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy following the passing of Pope Francis, who reposed on Monday, April 21, at 07:35 (Rome time) in Vatican City after a period of illness.
In his message, Bishop Siluan expressed both sorrow and gratitude for the late pontiff’s support for Romanian Orthodox liturgical communities throughout the Italian Peninsula.
“We received with sorrow the news of the repose of His Holiness Pope Francis, which occurred on this day of celebration,” wrote Bishop Siluan.
“In these moments of mourning for the entire Italian Catholic community, we pray—together with the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy—for the forgiveness and eternal rest of the soul of their shepherd. We extend our condolences to all members of the Italian Episcopal Conference, as well as to the clergy and Catholic communities who host us.”
Bishop Siluan highlighted the personal warmth of the Pope: “The gentleness and smile of Pope Francis, along with his support for hosting our parish communities in various Catholic churches, will never be forgotten.”
On the same day, Patriarch Daniel of Romania also sent a condolence message to His Eminence Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals at the Vatican.
Photo: Diocese of Italy
