Vatican mourns former Italian premier Andreotti
May 07, 2013
Pope Francis has sent a message of condolence to the widow of Guilio Andreotti, the former Italian prime minister and friend of several Popes, who died on May 6 at the age of 94.
Andreotti, who served 7 terms as prime minister, was a trusted adviser to Pope Pius XII. In 1958, after a private exchange with then-Cardinal Angelo Roncalli, he correctly predicted that the prelate from Venice would be elected the next Pontiff. He continued working closely with the Vatican through the pontificate of Paul VI and into that of John Paul II before his long political career was finally ended by allegations of ties with organized crime. Even after his retirement from politics, however, he remained in touch with the Vatican, frequently publishing works by Pope Benedict XVI in 30 Giorni, the monthly magazine that he edited.
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Further information:
- Telegram on death of Senator Guilio Andreotti (VIS)
- Vatican-friendly former Italian PM Giulio Andreotti dies aged 94 (Vatican Insider)
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