Paco de la Torre, on Pope Francis: "He has been a leader not only religious but also civic and social"

The mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, has highlighted that Pope Francis has been "a leader not only in religious but also in civic and social terms" and emphasized that during his twelve-year pontificate, his commitment to human rights "is beyond any doubt".

De la Torre stated this Monday in a press conference that the death of the pontiff is news that "saddens and shocks" not only Christianity but the entire world because in these years he has sought to "inspire and guide not only the Catholic world but humanity in general".

"He leaves a huge mark on history, and not only in the eyes of Christianity. The strenuous discourse he maintained during his pontificate is, regardless of religious convictions, that of a democratic leader and defender of human rights," said the mayor on X (Twitter).

Furthermore, the mayor recalled the impact that the encyclical 'Fratelli Tutti' on fraternity and social friendship had at the time.