Pope Francis was an extremely strong and very important leader for Romania, said on Thursday the interim president of the Senate, Mircea Abrudean, who conveyed a message of condolences on the death of the Pontiff at the Apostolic Nunciature in Bucharest.

„May the courage and goodness of His Holiness continue to inspire all Romanians. We remember with great emotion the historic visit His Holiness made to Romania, which was also a very important event for all Romanians. Although Romania is a predominantly Orthodox country, His Holiness’s visit meant a great deal for all Romanians, for all of Romania. We remember this with great emotion and we wish that God may rest him among His saints, as he deserves,” said the head of the Senate.

A condolence book for officials is open inside the diplomatic mission, and all those who wish to convey a few words to the Vatican can do so by having access to a condolence book in the courtyard of the nunciature that is displayed next to a portrait of Pope Francis.

Several diplomats have sent messages since the opening of the book accessible to the public until Friday evening.

AGERPRES