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Pope sends condolences for death of Giuseppe Dalla Torre

Pope Francis laments the passing of Professor Giuseppe Dalla Torre, who served as president of the Tribunal of Vatican City State for over 20 years.

By Vatican News staff writer

Professor Giuseppe Dalla Torre Del Tempio di Sanguinetto, an Italian jurist whose family has served the Pope for three generations, died on Thursday at the age of 77.

His death came as a result of complications connected with Covid-19.

In a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis expressed his nearness to the late professor’s family and praised his dedication to the Church.

The Pope recalled his “luminous Christian witness and solemn dedication” in his various roles at the service of the Holy See.

Pope Francis also sent his Apostolic Blessing, and assured his prayers for Dalla Torre’s eternal repose.

The professor served as President of the Tribunal of Vatican City State from 1997 until 2019.

He was also Rector of Rome’s LUMSA University from 1991 until 2014.

Funeral in St. Peter’s Basilica

Cardinal Parolin on Saturday celebrated the funeral Mass for Giuseppe Dalla Torre in St. Peter’s Basilica.

In his homily, the Vatican Secretary of State called him “an illustrious jurist, esteemed man, and a faithful collaborator of the Holy See.

Calling Dalla Torre “a friend”, Cardinal Parolin said he was a good, humble, and wise man, who “spent his entire life bearing witness to the light and acting as an untiring messenger of the spiritual, moral, and human values of the Gospel.”

The Cardinal added that Dalla Torre followed Jesus’ example by sharing with his friends all the “treasures of culture, wisdom, and faith that he had received.”