Putin sends condolences for the death of Pope Francis and highlights diplomatic role of the pontiff

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences for the death of Pope Francis, which occurred on Monday, 21, at the Vatican.

The pontiff died at the age of 88. In a letter directed at Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Putin wrote: “Please accept my most sense weighing for the death of his holiness Pope Francis.”

In the message, the Russian president highlighted the role of Francis in international and interreligious relations, referring to the Pope as a “faithful servant of Christian doctrine, religious and political wise, and constant defender of the high values ​​of humanism and justice.”

Putin also cited the Pontiff’s performance in the approach between the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as its influence on the relations between Moscow and the Holy See.

With the Pope’s death, Cardinal Kevin Farrell provisionally assumes the administration of the Church, as established by the Apostolic Constitution The universe dominic of the flockwhich regulates the procedures after the death of a pontiff.

Farrell is responsible for supervising the funeral rites and preparing the conclave that will elect the new Pope. He has held the position of Camerlengo since 2019.

International repercussion

Several political and religious leaders also manifested themselves about the death of Pope Francis, emphasizing distinct aspects of his pontificate. Spain President Pedro Sánchez said Francis “leaves a deep legacy.”

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, highlighted her stance on the most vulnerable and mentioned her “humility” and “love for the needy.”

Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, recalled the Pope’s performance on moral and social topics, stating that the Pontiff performed a “tireless struggle of the Papacy of Francis to protect life from conception, promote interreligious dialogue and bring the spiritual and virtuous life closer to the younger ones”.

Public honors occurred in several cities, while the Vatican began preparations for funerals and official transitional rites.

It is expected that the conclave to choose the new pontiff will be summoned in the coming days, after the closing of the funeral ceremonies, which will be coordinated by Camerlengo with the support of the Roman Curia.

CAMERLENGO FUNCTION

During the vacant season, when there is no acting pope, Camerlengo is responsible for managing the Vatican’s ordinary issues, including the protection of the Church’s goods and the management of the Vatican City. It is up to him to formally verify the death of the pontiff, seal the papal rooms and summon the college of cardinals.

Kevin Farrell, of Irish origin and US citizen, has already performed relevant duties in the Roman Curia, including as mayor of the dicker for lay people, family and life. Since 2019, it has been responsible for the protocol and administrative functions associated with the death of a Pope, including the official announcement, the definition of the place of burial and the organization of the conclave.

Pontificate profile

Francisco was elected in March 2013, after the resignation of Bento XVI, and became the first Pope of Latin American origin and the first Jesuit to occupy the position. During his more than 10 years of pontificate, he addressed topics such as poverty, inequality, climate change, migration and reform of the church’s administrative structure.

Francisco’s death marks the end of management marked by internal and external debates about the role of the church in the contemporary world. Its pontificate was also characterized by meetings with leaders of other religions and trips to regions in conflict, with the aim of fostering dialogue.

The death of the pontiff, officially confirmed by the Vatican on Monday morning, begins a transition period that will be conducted by the College of Cardinals. The Holy See is expected to disclose in the next few hours the official schedule of the funeral rites and the details about the conclave.

The Vatican should also announce the place of burial of Pope Francis, who may follow the tradition of his predecessors and be buried in the Crypt of the Basilica of St. Peter, or in another place indicated by him before his death.