Pope Francis mourned the death of journalist and founder of the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Eugenio Scalferi (98).
C. Rubini CTC, Vatican News
Scalferi, a leading figure in Italian journalism, died in Rome on July 14. He was born in 1924 in Civitavecchia near Rome.
In a statement issued by the Director of the Vatican Media Office, Matteo Bruni, Pope Francis said that he was saddened to hear about the death of his friend Scalfari, and that he cherishes the memories of the meetings between them and the deep conversations about humanity that he had with him over the years. The statement also said that the Holy Father prays to God to receive the soul of the deceased and comfort those close to him.
Scalfery has been a major figure in the world of communications since the beginning of his career. In 1976 he founded and directed the Espresso, The Republic Through two publications, he discovered new ways of communicating ideas. He is remembered not only as a journalist but also as a person who demonstrated expertise in various aspects of culture and is also the author of various books.
Message of condolence
Italian President Mattarella and Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi were among the dignitaries who expressed their condolences from various levels of society, including journalism, culture and politics.
Conversations with Papa
After his election as the successor of Peter, Pope Francis communicated with Scalferi and had a dialogue about the relationship between faith and secularism. This is a volume The Republic Published. Their debate from two different perspectives caught the attention of the public. 4th September 2013 in direct reply The Republic Pope Francis wrote to Scalfari, the creator of the paper, “Believe me, the Church, with all its laziness and unfaithfulness, the mistakes and sins it may have committed and may still commit by those who will finish the Church, has no other meaning and purpose than to live with Jesus and bear witness to Him.” Chivilthatakholika The director of the publication Fr. Antonio Spadaro said that Scalfari’s style of communication with the Pope always surprised him.