Pope Francis has died. Minister Crosetto: "We address our prayers to him, and those of the entire Defence family".

The whole world learns today of the disappearance of Pope FrancisPontiff and spiritual guide to millions of the faithful. His death leaves a void in the Catholic Church, but also among those who, although non-believers, have always admired his moral strength, consistency, simplicity and tireless commitment to peace.

At the very beginning of this month, the Holy Father had appointed the new Military Ordinary for Italy, affidando all’Archbishop Gian Franco Saba a task of great spiritual and pastoral relevance, at a time when the Church is called upon to reflect on its role in the most complex and often distant realities of traditional ecclesial structures.

Pope Francis has demonstrated several times during his pontificate a sincere and concrete closeness to the men and women in uniform. Unforgettable was the moment exactly one year ago, in April 2024, received in audience a representation of the military personnel involved in Operation Strade Sicure. On that solemn occasion, he was awarded the honorary parachutist licencea gesture that symbolised a special bond between the Pontiff and the Italian Air Force, recognising in him a man of courage and determination.

A revolutionary Pope, even in the internal debate within the Church

Pope Francis was a revolutionary pontiffcapable of shaking not only the consciences of the world, but also the foundations of more traditional Catholic thought. His choices, his direct tones, and his insistence on issues such as the environment, the inclusion of the weakest, the welcoming of migrants, and the rejection of clericalism have often generated heated debates also within the Church itself.

Some of his statements and openings - from mercy towards remarried divorcees, to dialogue with other religions and even with non-believers - have not always been welcomed by the entire Catholic worldprompting criticism from conservative circles.

Yet, with courage and determinationPope Francis continued to propose a Church that leaves the sacristies to be among the peoplefaithful to the Gospel, but able to read the signs of the times. His strength was to do not fear confrontationalways remaining a shepherd, never a judge.

Defence condolences

Among the first institutional messages, the words of the Minister of Defence were touching, Honourable Guido CrosettoHe expressed his condolences in this way:

“A nome di tutta la Difesa italiana, sicuro di interpretare il sentimento di dolore e tristezza che oggi vive ogni uomo e donna in uniforme, credente e non credente, esprimo il mio più profondo e sincero cordoglio per la scomparsa di Sua Santità Papa Francesco. Guida sicura e buon pastore della Chiesa cattolica, testimone coraggioso e forte del messaggio evangelico, è stato un infaticabile promotore dei valori della Pace, della fratellanza e della tolleranza a livello universale, apprezzato da tutta la comunità internazionale, da tutte le fedi e le religioni, da credenti e non credenti. La sua presenza, rassicurante, anche nella sofferenza fisica, i suoi insegnamenti, il suo magistero vivente, anche nella sofferenza, semplicità e umiltà’, sono tra le eredità più grandi che ci lascia. A lui rivolgiamo la nostra preghiera, quella di tutta la famiglia della Difesa”.

The Pope of all, believers and non-believers alike

At this time of great mourning, we join in prayer and gratitude for the life and pontificate of Pope Francis. A Pontiff and Head of State who was able to speak to even the hardest of hearts, always carrying a message of hope, sacrifice, universal love and global responsibility. His voice crossed borders and cultures, calling all humanity to solidarity, the dignity of the person and the protection of peace. His example will remain engraved in the collective memory as a moral and spiritual guide for believers and non-believers alike.

Rest in peace, Holy Father.