President Sergio Mattarella and Premier Mario Draghi led the way as Italy saluted Queen Elizabeth II following the British monarch’s death on Thursday, with Pope Francis also paying homage.
In a message of condolences to King Charles III, Mattarella hailed Elizabeth as “a figure of exceptional importance.
“She will be remembered for her authoritative wisdom, her exceptional sense of responsibility, expressed, above all, in the spirit of generosity with which the sovereign devoted herself to the lifelong service of British citizens and the wider family of the Commonwealth.”
Draghi said that the Queen had been an “absolute protagonist of the world’s history of the last 70 years.
“She represented the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with balance, wisdom, respect for institutions and democracy.
“She was the most beloved symbol of her country and garnered respect, affection and fondness all over the world.
“She guaranteed stability in moments of crisis and kept the value of tradition alive in a society experiencing constant and profound evolution.
“The deep dignity with which she held office for such a long time has been a source of constant admiration for generations.”
The pope also paid tribute to Elizabeth’s life.
“A life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth, her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in his promises,” he said in a message to Charles.
“Commending her noble soul to the merciful goodness of our Heavenly Father, I assure Your Majesty of my prayers that Almighty God will sustain you with his unfailing grace as you now take up your high responsibilities as King.
“Upon you and all who cherish the memory of your late mother, I invoke an abundance of divine blessings as a pledge of comfort and strength in the Lord.”
