Pope Francis sent his condolences following the killing of Shinzo Abe, Japan’s former prime minister, who was assassinated on Friday while giving a speech in Nara.
“His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the assassination of Mr. Shinzo Abe, former prime minister of Japan, and he offers heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the people of Japan,” the July 9 telegram, signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said.
“In the wake of this senseless act, he prays that Japanese society will be strengthened in its historic commitment to peace and nonviolence.”
On Friday morning, Abe, 67, was making a campaign address on a street in the south-central Japanese city of Nara when he was slain.
According to the BBC, doctors stated the lawmaker had gunshot wounds to his neck and heart. He was taken to the hospital and proclaimed dead about 5:00 p.m. local time on July 8.
A 41-year-old suspect, who is presently in police custody, confesses to shooting Abe with a handmade pistol.
Abe’s fourth three-year tenure as Prime Minister ended in September 2020.
In 2019, he welcomed Pope Francis to Japan for the second time, from November 23 to 26.