Rome, 21 April (LaPresse) – “The news of Pope Francis” death took me by surprise and caused me pain and bewilderment. I cannot forget seven years of collaboration with him: five years as Substitute and two years as Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. They were years of close collaboration, of sharing ecclesial choices and visions, but also of loyal discussions, always lived in acceptance of his decisions. I cannot hide that the sudden change in his judgement towards me, with the well-known consequences that followed, caused me immense pain, which I tried to accept as a trial from the Lord. I am consoled by the fact that, despite everything, I have maintained the relationship befitting someone who, upon receiving the cardinalate, swore to give his life for the Pope. Now he is in the light and knows the truth of the facts. I join the whole Church in offering prayers to God for his soul.’ Thus spoke Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu.