MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Francis underlined Baroness Thatcher’s commitment to promoting freedom among the family of nations

The Argentine born Pope said he was saddened by the news

Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and appreciative of the Christian values that underpinned her commitment to service and promotion of freedom.

The Argentine born Pope affirmed this in a message sent on Monday on his behalf by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

“His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher,” the papal message stated.

“He recalls with appreciation the Christian values which underpinned her commitment to public service and to the promotion of freedom among the family of nations. Entrusting her soul to the mercy of God, and assuring her family and the British people of a remembrance in his prayers, the Holy Father invokes upon all whose lives she touched God’s abundant blessings.”

From London, the archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, also sent condolences: ”It was with sadness that we heard the news of the death of Baroness Thatcher, who served this country for many years both as a Member of Parliament and as Prime Minister. We pray for the repose of her soul and for the intentions of her family and all those who now mourn for her”.