Leader of Italy, other European countries and the Russian orthodox church On Saturday, they paid tribute to Benedict XVI, citing his traditional morality and his dedication to the Catholic Church.
The Patriarch KirillRussian Orthodox leader who met Benedict XVI several times during his pontificate, cited “the indisputable authority of the pope emeritus as eminent theologian“, which, according to Kirill, “allowed him to make a significant contribution to the development of inter-Christian cooperation, to the witness of Christ in a secularized world and to the defense of traditional morality”.
In a statement posted on the Moscow Patriarchate’s website on Saturday, Kirill said Benedict had been an admirer and friend of Eastern Christianity.
In Italy the President Sergio Mattarella He said Benedict XVI will be “unforgettable” for the Italian people.
“His gentleness and wisdom have benefited our community and the entire international community,” Mattarella said in a statement.
He described the late Pope as an intellectual and theologian who “finely interpreted the reasons for dialogue, peace, the dignity of the person as the supreme interests of religions”.
Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, He expressed his personal mourning for Benedetto and that of the Italian government. He described him as a “giant of faith and religion” and, in a statement, highlighted Benedict’s service to the Church and the “spiritual, cultural and intellectual depth of his teaching.”
Ursula von der Leyenpresident of the executive of the European Union – who, like Benedict, is German – expressed his condolences to all Catholics on the death of the former Pope.
“Pope Benedict’s passing saddens me,” she said on Twitter.
“He gave a strong signal with his resignation,” he wrote, adding:
“Once his physical strength diminished, he continued to serve through the power of his prayers.”
In Germany, the response has been more nuanced.
Tributes to his service to the Church have been mixed with acknowledgment of criticism of his case handling sexual abuse as archbishop.
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Source: Clarin
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.