ROME, AUGUST 31 (ANSA) – Pope Francis on Wednesday (August 31st) spoke about the death of political leader Mikhail Gorbachev, which took place the day before, and praised the Russian stance always seeking fraternity among peoples.
“I pray for the right to vote, with gratitude to the good and merciful God for everlasting peace for your soul, as well as the understanding devotion to harmony and brotherhood among peoples, as well as to the country’s own progress at a time of momentous changes.” The Catholic leader wrote in a telegram to the Russian girl Irina Gorbachev.
Francis also said that he was “spiritally close at this moment of grief over the death of his father, Mr. admirable statesman”.
The death of 91-year-old Gorbachev was mourned Wednesday by both Russian leaders and representatives of international politics. The 1990 Nobel Peace Prize is recognized for ending the Cold War without bloodshed.
The politician was hospitalized for several weeks and died after facing a “severe and prolonged” illness. His funeral will be held next Saturday (3) and Gorbachev will be buried in the Novodevichy Cemetery, where his wife Raisa Titarenko, who died in 1999, is also buried.
source: Noticias
