Pope mourns former President Sebastián Piñera of Chile

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis expressed his condolences for the "tragic death" of the former President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera Echenique, who died on 6 February, at the age of 74 in a helicopter accident.

In a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and addressed to Chile's President Gabriel Boric, the Holy Father prayed for the eternal repose of the former Head of State.

The late President, who led the country between 2010-2014 and 2018-2022, died when flying his ultralight helicopter with three other people. The aircraft is believed to have crashed, due to inclement weather, into Lake Ranco in the Los Rios region in the south of the country.

The Pope recalled the President who had led the country as "a man of faith," of great "intellect," and of "sincere passion" for Chilean political life.

He expressed his closeness to the former Head of State's family and all those who mourn his loss.

Mourners paying respects

President Piñera's funeral is being celebrated today in Santiago's metropolitan cathedral. Thus far, mourners have been able to pay their respects to the late Chilean President through a government-organized vigil. Three days of national mourning were declared after his tragic death.

In recent days, the Bishops of Chile, likewise, expressed their remorse, saying the late President's work was always for the good of the country and its people.