24-year old Italian Luca Re Sartù passed away from a bacterial infection just two days after returning home from World Youth Day. When Pope Francis heard of his tragic passing, he called Luca's mother.
BP. LUCA RAIMONDI
Archdiocese of Milan
Pope Francis called her on the phone. She was very much in pain, but very much consoled by this phone call. She said he was very delicate, he spent time with her, he was moved, he cried with her. The Pope told her she felt a pain that he cannot feel—the biggest pain of losing a child.
Luca's family members are not the only ones feeling the pain of his death, as he was known for his commitment to his parish and community of Marnate, Italy.
BP. RAIMONDI
Archdiocese of Milan
It was a very strong blow on the on the city of Marnate. Many people returned from vacation to participate in his funeral.
He was a real Christian, a true Christian. He didn't go to World Youth Day just because. He went to because he believed in the pilgrimage.
But Luca's presence will not be forgotten. Bishop Raimondi of Milan said when his diocese travels to Rome for the Jubilee of 2025, Luca will be like their “saint next door” that Pope Francis often speaks about.
AT
