EU Parliament pays tribute to Pope Francis with condolence book in Brussels

Brussels – The EU flag is draped in mourning; in front, there is a small table with a blue tablecloth, his photo, and an open book for all those eager to leave a comment, a memory, or a thought: In Brussels, the European Parliament pays tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, with a corner carved out in front of the Chamber. In a condolence notebook, MEPs, officials, and visitors can leave their personal considerations on the “Pope of the people,” as the president of the EU institution, Roberta Metsola, calls him in the introductory hand-written page where she assures that “Europe will honor his legacy” and promises that the European Parliament will not squander his teachings.

It is an established practice in the European Parliament to set aside a space for tributes to MEPs who die while in office or to former MEPs who pass away later. On this occasion, the EU institution decided to do the same for the late pontiff.