Pope mourns late Rector of Catholic University of Sacred Heart

Pope Francis expresses his closeness and prayers to all those mourning the late Rector of the Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Professor Franco Anelli, who died at the age of 60.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis has mourned the Rector of the Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Professor Franco Anelli, who died at age 60 on Thursday in Milan.

In a telegram of condolences sent on Friday by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on the Pope's behalf, the Holy Father acknowledged the "tragic death" and expressed his closeness to the late rector's mother, relatives, and the entire university and foundation "family."

"Recalling his commitment to the promotion of Christian values in the university sphere, fostering dialogue with the new generations," the Pope entrusted "the rector to divine mercy and, while invoking for those who mourn his passing, the comfort of faith and Christian hope," before he offered his Apostolic Blessing.

Cardinal Parolin also expressed his own condolences, reassuring his prayers, as had the Italian Episcopal Conference earlier in the day.

According to Italian police, as reported by Ansa news agency, the rector is believed to have jumped from the sixth floor of the building where he lived.

Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here