Statement by President Meloni

Following the funeral service at St. Peter's and the procession that accompanied the coffin of Pope Francis along the streets of Rome to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, I wish to highlight the considerable efforts made and the extraordinary show of efficiency under the coordination of the Civil Protection Department.

I express my heartfelt thanks to all the administrations involved, including the Ministry of the Interior, the Prefecture and the Questura of Rome, the Police Forces, the Fire Brigade, the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the healthcare and civil protection units of the Lazio Region and other Regions, Roma Capitale, the municipal companies in charge of running essential services, ENAC [Italian Civil Aviation Authority], ENAV [Italian Flight Assistance Authority], Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane Group and the operators of transport, mobility and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as the men and women who volunteered.

My personal thanks, and those of the Government, go to all of them, for having ensured the smooth running of this historic day for Italy and for the entire world, with their professionalism, dedication and spirit of service.

[Courtesy translation]