'Addio amico mio': European leaders pay tribute to David Sassoli
Europe is mourning the loss of David Sassoli, the European Parliament President and Italian social democrat, who died overnight due to a dysfunction of the immune system.
The first reactions to his passing came from the leaders of the other European Union institutions, who had worked closely with Sassoli to move forward the bloc's political agenda.
"Today is a sad day for Europe. Our Union loses a passionate European, a sincere democrat and a good man," said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in a video statement, part of which she also read in Italian.
"David Sassoli was a man of deep faith and strong convictions. Everyone loved his smile and his kindness, yet he knew how to fight for what he believed in."
As head of the executive arm, von der Leyen was in constant touch with Sassoli to move forward legislative proposals her team drafted through the hemicycle the Italian presided over.
"He wanted Europe to be more united, closer to its people, more faithful to our values. That is his legacy," she remarked with solemnity. "And that is how I will remember him. As a champion of justice and solidarity, and a dear friend."
Frans Timmermans, the Commission's vice-president and fellow socialist, said he was "at loss for words" by the tragic news and celebrated his kindness as "an inspiration to all who knew him."
"Addio amico mio," Timmermans added.
For his part, Paolo Gentiloni, the Italian Commissioner in charge of the economy, said he would always remember Sassoli's "leadership, his passion, his generous friendship."
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, used the Italian language to praise his colleague as "an honest and passionate European".
"We already miss his human warmth, his generosity, his
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