Farewell to Pope Francis. Testament: "My suffering offered to the Lord for peace and brotherhood of peoples".

Once the news was leaked, the media tam-tam, relayed by websites, radio and TV reports and of course social media, ensured that it got everywhere. "Already by now so many people are approaching the Vatican. The services have been immediately reinforced, the approach is remarkable," explained the prefect, Lamberto Giannini, at the end of the provincial committee for order and security in the prefecture, which took place late in the morning and was attended by the heads of the Capitoline police forces, representatives of the Vatican gendarmerie and the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri. "Each for their own competence has begun to ensure that this other great event can take place safely and with the respect due to the Pontiff," added Giannini.

A note from Palazzo Chigi clarified that "the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, is in contact with the Head of the Civil Protection Department, Fabio Ciciliano, whom she has asked to activate the necessary actions to guarantee the orderly flow and assistance to the faithful who will reach Rome following the death of the Holy Father, his funeral, and the subsequent ceremony of enthronement of the new Pontiff. A Council of Ministers has been convened for tomorrow (Tuesday 22 April, ed.) at 11.00 a.m., which will entrust the Head of the Civil Protection Department with the coordination of the activities and of all the structures involved, as happened in 2005 on the occasion of the funeral of Pope John Paul II".

It all started with the words of the camerlengo, the cardinal who takes possession of the apostolic palaces after the Pope's death and watches over the security and order of the conclave. Within minutes the news of the Pope's death went around the world. Cardinal Farrell, sorrowfully announced the death of Pope Francis, with these words: "Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole life has been dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example of a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God." The pontiff was 88 years old.

On Wednesday morning, 23 April, a prayer mass for Pope Francis will be held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built according to Christian tradition on the site where Jesus was crucified and buried. This was announced by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, adding that the service will be presided over by "His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa and members of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries". The Vatican flag was lowered over the headquarters of the Latin Patriarchate in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Close by, the leaders of the Republic's institutions have expressed regret for what happened. Beginning with the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, who said in a message that he had learned "with great personal pain the news of the death of Pope Francis, feeling the serious void created by the loss of the point of reference that he always represented for me. The death of Pope Francis arouses sorrow and emotion among Italians and throughout the world. His teaching recalled the Gospel message, solidarity among people, the duty of closeness to the weakest, international cooperation, and peace in humanity. Our gratitude to him,' concluded the Head of State, 'must be translated into a responsibility to work, as he constantly did, for these objectives'.

'Pope Francis,' was the comment of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, 'has returned to the house of the Father. It is news that deeply saddens us, because he leaves us a great man and a great pastor. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in times of trial and suffering. In the meditations of the Way of the Cross, he reminded us of the power of the gift, which makes everything flourish again and is capable of reconciling what in the eyes of man is irreconcilable. And he asked the world, once again, for the courage of a change of course, to walk a path that "does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, guards". We will walk in this direction, to seek the path of peace, pursue the common good and build a fairer and more equitable society. His magisterium and his legacy will not be lost. We greet the Holy Father with a heart full of sadness, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord'.

'The whole world will remember Francis for being the people's pope, the pope of the last,' Meloni added during a speech to Tg1. In a moved voice, the prime minister confided: 'I will miss him too, we had an extraordinary personal relationship, he was a pontiff with whom one could talk about everything, he was very special'.

Condolences were also expressed by representatives of the EU institutions. "Today the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis," wrote EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on X. "He inspired millions of people, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and his pure love for the less fortunate. My thoughts go out to all those who feel this profound loss. May they find comfort in the idea that the legacy of Pope Francis will continue to guide us all towards a more just, peaceful and compassionate world'.

From the EU Commission to the Eurotower, in the heart of Frankfurt: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was a global voice for unity, justice and human dignity. His wisdom and humility touched lives far beyond faith. My thoughts are with all those who grieve his loss'. Thus in a message on X the President of the European Central Bank (ECB), Christine Lagarde.

"With His goodness He has enlightened the world and changed the Church. He was close to me in difficult moments and helped me with His prayer, His affection and His discernment'. So says Mario Draghi.

Condolences were also expressed by leading European chancelleries. "My condolences to Catholics around the world," said French President Emmanuel Macron.

Remembering the Pontiff, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke of a man whose actions were guided by 'humility and faith'.

Pope Francis 'promoted a fairer world' and his efforts will have 'a lasting legacy'. This was emphasised by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer added that 'his leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the Church has been courageous, but has always stemmed from a deep humility'. Flags will be flown at half-mast on UK government buildings from today until 8pm (9pm in Italy) tomorrow, 22 April.

"His conviction that caring for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God has resonated with many, all over the world. Through his commitment and care for people and the planet, he has deeply touched the lives of so many". So said King Charles III of England in an official statement, released on social media, regarding the death of Pope Francis, an event about which the monarch and his wife said they were "deeply saddened". A few days ago, during a trip to Italy with Queen Camilla, the monarch had made a surprise visit to the Pope in Santa Marta.

"I mourn the passing of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. May he rest in peace." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote this on X. The Iberian Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, offered his "deepest condolences to Catholics in Spain and around the world", and called Pope Francis "a man of peace and dialogue between cultures and religions".

"I have just learnt of the death of Pope Francis. My thoughts go out to the millions of Christians around the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, even though he was very ill. But I will always remember him for his homilies in the early days of the Covid, He was truly wonderful': these are the words on X of the American vice-president, JD Vance, who yesterday, Sunday 20 April, during his visit to the Vatican was briefly received in Santa Marta by the Pontiff.

"We mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis this morning. His dedication to peace and compassion was an inspiration to millions". These are the words on X by Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte. "Our deepest condolences to the Catholic community and all those who were touched by his humanity," Rutte added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed condolences on the death of Pope Francis, calling him 'an extraordinary person'.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences on behalf of Turkey, 'to the family of the deceased, the Vatican State and the Catholic world', stating that he had learned the news 'with sorrow', in a message shared on social media.

Pope Francis was originally from Argentina (his family is of Piedmontese origin). 'It is with deep sorrow,' was the comment of the Argentine head of state, Javier Milei, on his X profile, 'that I learned this sad news this morning: Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, passed away today and rests in peace. Despite the differences that today appear minor, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honour for me'. "As President, as an Argentinean and, fundamentally, as a man of faith, I greet the Holy Father and accompany all those who are facing this sad news today".

Flags at half-mast in Montecitorio for the death of Pope Francis. Messages of condolence also came from Italian politicians. Pope Francis "left us many messages, including that of "conceiving politics at the service of the people and the last," stressed, as far as the majority forces are concerned, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister Antonio Tajani speaking to RaiNews. "Pope Francis has reached the House of the Father," wrote deputy prime minister and Lega Matteo Salvini secretary, posting the image Pope Francis on his social profiles.

Messages of affection and esteem also from the opposition. "He was the Pope of the last, of the marginalised, the Pope of social justice and commitment to the Planet: his powerful message of peace and fraternity will remain a lasting imprint of closeness, compassion, love for neighbour that will continue to leave its mark. In the face of this painful loss, our sympathy goes out to the Catholic community and to all those around the world who will mourn him and carry on his commitment to the poorest". Thus the secretary of the PD Elly Schlein. "The death of Pope Francis," wrote M5s leader Giuseppe Conte on X, "is an immense sorrow. His stubborn words of peace, dialogue and solidarity at all costs are and will remain a guide for all of us in these difficult times. Thank you for every teaching, may you rest in peace'. "Francis leaves us in the embrace of St. Peter's Square yesterday - are the words on X of the leader of Italia Viva Matteo Renzi - . Yesterday his last trip in the Popemobile is the symbol of his living among his people, his people. Both in those who believe and in those who do not believe, the Argentine Pope leaves a deep mark. In the hearts of those who met him, the trait of an affectionate humanity and a lively curiosity for the mystery of the other remains above all'.

From the business world, the president of Confindustria, Emanuele Orsini, commented on the death of the Pontiff: 'Together with all the women and men of Confindustria, I join the Catholic Church and the entire world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A spiritual guide, a symbol of dialogue, peace and humanity. His example will continue to inspire our consciences'.

Russian Patriarch Kirill has expressed his condolences on the death of Pope Francis. This was reported by the Russian news agency Tass. The Russian Orthodox Church gratefully recalled the Pope's statements in defence of religious freedom.

"His Holiness Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others, constantly showing by his actions how to live a simple but meaningful life". This is what the Dalai Lama wrote in his condolence message on the pontiff's passing. "The best tribute we can pay him is to be a person of heart, serving others wherever and in whatever way possible". The message states that the Tibetan community will hold a memorial ceremony at Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, in Dharamsala.