"Pope's Historic Tribute to Former Italian President"
Pope Francis made history by becoming the first pope to enter the Italian Senate to pay his respects to former President Giorgio Napolitano, who passed away at the age of 98. Napolitano, a non-believer, will have a civil funeral ceremony, marking the first time a former head of state in Italy will not receive a Catholic funeral Mass. Despite their differing beliefs, Napolitano had close personal friendships with both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. The pope's visit to the Senate was seen as a gesture of institutional and personal respect for a man who had a moral dimension and openness beyond appearances.