On April 21, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis on the same day. Ishiba released a statement through the Prime Minister’s Office, offering his condolences and reflecting on the Pope’s impactful legacy.
Prime Minister Ishiba began by sharing his profound sadness upon hearing of the Pope’s death. “I was extremely saddened to hear the news of His Holiness Pope Francis’s passing,” Ishiba wrote. Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church since 2013, dedicated his life to environmental protection and peaceful diplomacy. His work, guided by the voices of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, left a lasting imprint on the global stage.
Japan holds special memories with Pope Francis, as he made significant strides in fostering relations between the Vatican and Japan. As the first Pope from the Society of Jesus, Pope Francis longed for missionary activities in Japan, following in the footsteps of St. Francis Xavier. The Pope’s visit to Japan in 2019, after 38 years, marked a historic moment. During his visit, he delivered powerful messages of peace in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, reflecting on the horrors of war.
Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his respect for Pope Francis’s contributions to both the Catholic Church and the world. “I would like to express my heartfelt respect for the achievements of His Holiness Pope Francis,” he said. He noted that the Pope’s death is a significant loss not just for the Vatican and Catholics, but for the entire global community.
The Prime Minister concluded his statement by offering heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of Japan. He stressed that Pope Francis’s passing leaves a void that will be felt internationally, particularly in Japan, which holds a deep reverence for the Pope’s efforts towards peace and reconciliation.
