Message of condolence from Prime Minister Ishiba on the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis

On April 21, following the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis on the same day (April 21, local time), Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, issued a message of condolence to His Eminence Card. Pietro PAROLIN, Secretary of State of the Vatican.
 
In the message, Prime Minister ISHIBA stated he is deeply saddned at the news of the demise of Pope Francis, and extended his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Japan. Prime Minister Ishiba also mentioned that since being elected as the 266th Pope in March 2013, Pope Francis has worked hard to protect the environment and promote peaceful diplomacy, with a strong voice supported by approximately 1.4 billion Catholics. Prime Minister Ishiba also stated that Pope Francis visited Japan in 2019 for the first time as a Pope in 38 years, and expressed his heartfelt respect for the achievements of Pope Francis to date.