Pope sends condolences for death of Hungarian former president

By Devin Watkins

Mr. László Sólyom, the former President of Hungary from 2005 to 2010, died on Sunday at the age of 81 after a lengthy illness.

Pope Francis sent his condolences to the President Katalin Novák, the current Hungarian president, in a telegram sent on Tuesday.

The Pope offered his “deepest condolences” to President Novák and to all the people of Hungary.

“I earnestly pray that the Lord may welcome the deceased into His peace and provide comfort and hope to all who mourn his passing, especially his family,” he said.

“May God bless Hungary and its entire population,” concluded Pope Francis.

President of the Republic

Mr. Sólyom served as deputy president of the Constitutional Court from 1989 and president of the same Court between 1990 and 1998.

The Parliament elected him President of the Republic on 7 June 2005 and he held the office until 5 August 2010.