The news of the death of the Pope emeritus was greeted with mourning from all over the world. The bishops’ conference and many political leaders who knew Benedict XVI well paid homage to him.
(Vatican News Network)In this moment of division and conflict, the memory of the recently deceased Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is mourned all over the world. The major international news agencies not only reported his death on their main pages, but also recalled his great culture and the moment in which he resigned from the pastorate of Peter.
In this moment of mourning, various bishops’ conferences from all over the world have issued messages of condolence. Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, president of the Council of Bishops of Europe, recalls “the teaching on Europe that Benedict XVI developed during his apostolic ministry”, underlining “the Christian roots of Europe”, stating that “it is imperative to return to Christ and relive-evangelize to build a civilization of love”.
The relationship between the Catholic Church in Germany and Pope Ratzinger is singular: Ratzinger was born there, studied theology, was active in the priesthood and was a member of the German Bishops’ Conference when he was Archbishop of Munich. “Benedict XVI’s death is a great loss for the Catholic Church. His apostolic ministry and his long episcopal work will remain in people’s memory”, write the country’s bishops in a message.
The Italian Episcopal Conference also expressed deep condolences. In his message, the country’s priest wrote: “At this precise moment, his invitation resounds within each of us to encourage us to experience Christian joy, because God loves us and expects us to love him too”.
The Catholic Church in Australia recalls the special affinity of young people for the late Pope: on World Youth Day 2008, Pope Ratzinger met young people from all over the world in Sydney. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, president of the country’s bishops’ conference, said the world will remember “Pope Ratzinger’s rich teaching, including his encyclicals on love, hope and truth, as well as a series on Nazareth. The books of Jesus the Horseman”.
Even the Anglican archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said he was “in mourning” for the death of the pope emeritus. “Christ is the foundation of Benedict XVI’s thought, the cornerstone of his prayers. Benedict XVI is one of the great theologians of our time, dedicated to the advancement of the Church’s faith and its firm defense”, observed the Anglican prelate. . In everything, even in his writings and his teachings of him, he always saw the image of Jesus Christ, the invisible God.
In his message, the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow Kirill underlined that Benedict XVI bore witness to Christ in a secularized world, defending traditional moral values. Patriarch Kirill writes: “I had the opportunity to personally meet the late Pope many times and I was able to testify to his deep love for Eastern Christianity and, above all, his sincere respect for the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church”.
The Italian Buddhist Union also expressed its condolences to the Italian Catholic Church. In a message, the Alliance referred to the thought, theology and his interest in religious dialogue of Pope Benedict XVI.
Additionally, many politicians tweeted their condolences to the Pope Emeritus. “Europe mourns for him, may he rest in peace,” tweeted European Parliament president Roberta Metsola. For German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the world has lost a “remarkable figure” in the Catholic Church. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed deep sorrow, calling the pope emeritus a “great theologian”. French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his condolences to “Catholics in France and around the world who are saddened by the death of their Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI”. The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, referred to national mourning: “Benedict XVI’s goodness and wisdom have benefited our community and the entire international community”.
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