Pope calls on Japan to strengthen commitment to peace after Shinzo Abe killing

Pope Francis met then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in Tokyo in November 2019 (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Pope Francis is hopeful that Japan will strengthen its commitment to peace and against violence despite the “senseless” assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, the Vatican has said.

In a telegram, Francis said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the killing and he offered his condolences to Mr Abe’s family and the people of Japan.