The Vatican’s foreign minister has paid tribute to Sir David Amess describing him as a “public servant of the highest principles” who worked with “devotion and enthusiasm” for UK-Holy See relations.
Following the news that Sir David had been stabbed to death while meeting his constituents on 15 October, Archbishop Paul Gallagher wrote to Sir Edward Leigh, the chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Holy See, to express his “profound shock” at the killing.
“I am struck by the innumerable expressions not only of grief, but of witness to his goodness, generosity, faith and integrity,” Archbishop Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States, wrote in a letter.
“He was a public servant of the highest principles inspired by his Catholic faith and commitment to promoting the good and well-being of his constituents and the wider society.”
Sir David, one of the longest-serving Catholic MPs, was the founder and first chairman of the parliamentary group on the Holy See and made regular visits to the Vatican during his political career, meeting both Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. The late Conservative MP’s hard work, sense of humour and willingness to work across political divides, was welcomed by the Vatican.
“As a founding member and first Chairman of the APPG, his enthusiasm and devotion were appreciated across the Holy See, and particularly by this Section for Relations with States,” the British archbishop, who holds the position of foreign minister equivalent, said.
Sir David founded the all-party parliamentary group on the Holy See in 2006 following efforts by officials in the Foreign Office to diminish the UK’s relationship with the Vatican. Some officials had been toying with the idea of closing the UK’s embassy to the Holy See, although knew the Government would not allow such a move.
The lease on the prestigious old residence, the Villa Drusiana, had been revoked, and a proposal had been mooted to move the ambassador into the Villa Wolkonsky complex, the home of the British Ambassador to Italy. The Vatican protested as the proposal would have breached the 1929 Lateran treaty which recognises Holy See sovereignty, and then Prime Minister Tony Blair – himself on the way to becoming a Catholic – made it clear that any diminishment would not be tolerated.
Sir David set up the group to ensure there was parliamentary oversight over the relationship between the UK and the Holy See and to prevent any closure of the embassy by stealth. He brought attention to what had been happening in Parliament and played a key role as the chair of the group in developing a strong relationship between the UK and the Holy See. Members of the group were not Catholic and came from all political parties.
“As well as an outstanding constituency MP [I] remember David for setting up the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Holy See and helping to save our British embassy to the Vatican,” Sir Edward tweeted on 16 October.
Sir David was first elected as an MP in 1983 and represented Southend West from 1997 until he was stabbed multiple times while holding a constituency surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church at Leigh-on-Sea. A 25-year-old man is in police custody.
He did not shy away from bringing his faith into public life which saw him take a strongly pro-life stance on abortion while campaigning on health issues and fuel poverty. He was best known, however, for his tireless service to his constituents.
Parish priest of St Peter’s church in Leigh-on-Sea, Fr Jeff Woolnough, said Sir David was “Mr Southend”, describing the MP as a “fine gentleman and a knight of the realm” who was much loved by all members of the community.
In his letter, Archbishop Gallagher expressed his condolences to “the late Parliamentarian’s family and all his many friends”, while adding: “May the good work that he began in so many fields be continued, and may he rest in peace and may God, whom he served so faithfully, comfort all who mourn his loss.”
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