Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed heartfelt sorrow following the death of Pope Francis, describing the loss as one of immense personal and national grief.
In an emotional message shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Meloni paid tribute to the Pope’s legacy, his spiritual guidance, and his enduring impact on the global community.
Meloni’s message read(Translated in English):
“Pope Francis has returned to the House of the Father. A piece of news that saddens us deeply, because we are losing a great man and a great shepherd. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, and his teachings, which never failed, even in times of trial and suffering. In the meditations of the Way of the Cross, he reminded us of the power of giving, which makes everything bloom again and is capable of reconciling what, in the eyes of man, seems irreconcilable. He once again asked the world for the courage to change direction, to follow a path that ‘does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, protects.’ We will walk in this direction—to seek the path of peace, pursue the common good, and build a fairer and more just society. His magisterium and legacy will not be lost. We bid farewell to the Holy Father with hearts full of sorrow, but we know that he is now at peace with the Lord.”
Papa Francesco è tornato alla casa del Padre. Una notizia che ci addolora profondamente, perché ci lascia un grande uomo e un grande pastore. Ho avuto il privilegio di godere della sua amicizia, dei suoi consigli e dei suoi insegnamenti, che non sono mai venuti meno neanche nei… pic.twitter.com/pkRco1tgD3
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) April 21, 2025
A Nation in Mourning
In response to the Pope’s passing, Italy has entered a period of national mourning. Church bells tolled across cities and towns, and flags were lowered to half-mast in honour of the late pontiff. Public prayer gatherings and vigils have emerged across the country, with thousands visiting St. Peter’s Square to pay their respects.
Meloni’s words reflect not only a personal connection to Pope Francis but also capture the emotional state of a nation united in grief.
Remembering a Pontiff of the People
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the head of the Catholic Church from 2013, becoming the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to assume the role. His papacy was defined by themes of humility, inclusion, care for the environment, and advocacy for the marginalised.
Meloni emphasised these values in her tribute, calling his guidance timeless and transformative: “His teachings will continue to illuminate our path toward peace and social justice.”
Global Reflections
World leaders have joined Italy in mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the religious and political spectrums. Pope Francis’ calls for global unity, compassion, and a return to human dignity have left a lasting imprint well beyond the Catholic Church.
In the United Kingdom, leaders across the political divide also acknowledged his compassionate leadership and moral clarity, as highlighted in our full report on UK leaders’ tributes to Pope Francis.
As Italy and the wider world prepare for the days of mourning ahead, Meloni’s poignant words stand as a testament to the spiritual and moral legacy left by Pope Francis.
