Ursula Von der Leyen Pays Tribute to David Sassoli

The President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, died in the early hours of January 11 in Aviano, Italy, where he had been hospitalized, his spokesman Roberto Cuillo said.

Sassoli had been in hospital since December 26 due to a “serious complication due to a dysfunction of the immune system,” Cuillo said.

European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen paid tribute to Sassoli.

“Today is a sad day for Europe. Our union loses a passionate European, a sincere democrat, and a good man. 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,” Von Der Leyen said.

Von der Leyen said she would remember Sassoli as “a champion of justice and solidarity, and a dear friend.” Credit: Ursula Von der Leyen via Storyful