Pope Francis has returned to the home of the Father. We are deeply saddened by this news, as a great man and great shepherd has left us. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never ceased, not even in times of trial and suffering. In his Via Crucis meditations, he reminded us of the power of the gift, which makes everything blossom anew and is capable of reconciling what in the eyes of man is irreconcilable. And, once again, he asked of the world the courage to change course, to follow a path that “does not crush, but cultivates, repairs and protects”. We will walk in this direction, to seek the path of peace, pursue the common good and build a more just and more equitable society. His magisterium and his legacy will not be lost. We bid farewell to the Holy Father with our hearts full of sorrow, but we know he is now in the peace of the Lord.
[Courtesy translation]