Tim Russert's Italy Family Photo: Inside His Last Vacation

Tim Russert's sudden death came as a shock to friends worldwide - none more than Cardinal John Patrick Foley, who spent time with him during the 58-year-old newsman's recent Italian vacation.

"He was in good form and happy to be spending time with his wife and son," the Cardinal (who met up with the Russert clan in Rome) tells PEOPLE. The Meet the Press host and his wife, Vanity Fair journalist Maureen Orth, were celebrating son Luke's recent graduation from Boston College.

Foley - who has known the devout-Catholic Russert for 24 years and even baptized Luke - accompanied the trio to Saint Peter's Square, where they had front-row seats for an audience with the Pope.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[cruisepuppy7452a]

Russert was someone whom brought class, grace, truth, honor back to journalism. In a time when so much is cleansed, he refused to be censored and went against the tide. That showed guts, strength and charactor.Something that is badly missing in media, government, the work force.
He wasn't perfect, but the fact both sides put partisan politics aside, proves he reached acrross both parties equally.

[GQTaste]

My father is the same age as Tim was and I don't know what i'd do if something were to happen to him. I'm terribly sorry for the Russerts and their lose.

[1PALady]

RIP Tim, you will be sorely missed.

[olivia]

The wrong people keep dying.

I'm glad his family had this memory to cherish.

[gbht12]

This is so frea*king sad, I can't stand it. I don't understand why good people go when there are so many bad people roaming the earth. Where is god in this? So unfair.

[StarkRavingNakedEmperor]

I am so glad he had just completed a wonderful vacation to beautiful Italy with his lovely family just prior to this sad event--it helps somehow. God Bless and RIP.

[ggmome]

Noone can replace Tim!

[scorpioleidy]

We love you, Tim Russert, and will miss you. I have not missed an episode of "Meet The Press" in many years, but I know the show will never be the same without Tim Russert.

My deepest condolences to Luke & Maureen. Please take comfort in knowing that Tim was loved by many, many people, and we miss him dearly.

[pilgrim7]

Thanks.