Statements and Messages by the Prime Minister
Statement by Prime Minister ISHIBA on the demise of His Holiness the Pope Francis
I was extremely saddened to hear the news of the demise of His Holiness the Pope Francis.
Since 2013, Pope Francis has dedicated himself to protecting the environment and promoting peaceful diplomacy with a strong voice supported by approximately 1.4 billion Catholics.
In relations with Japan, Pope Francis, as the first Pope from the Society of Jesus, had long hoped for missionary activities in Japan like Francis Xavier. In 2019, Pope Francis visited Japan for the first time in 38 years since Pope John Paul II visited in 1981, and visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where he delivered a powerful message of peace.
I would like to express my heartfelt respect for the achievements of His Holiness Pope Francis to date.
The demise of Pope Francis is not only a great loss for the people of Vatican and Catholics, but also for the international community. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Japan.