World leaders are paying their respects to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. who died Saturday in Vatican City at the age of 95.
Benedict, the first bishop in nearly 600 years to resign instead of holding a lifelong position passed away on Saturday according to a statement from Vatican
“Sorry to learn of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.” Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament tweet Saturday.
“Europe mourns him. May he rest in peace.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said on Saturday former pope “Signs clear through resignation”
“Pope Benedict’s passing makes me sad. My sympathy goes out to all Catholics,” von der Leyen said in a statement. tweetadded that “He has delivered a clear signal through his resignation. He sees himself first as a servant of the Lord and his Church.”
“When your strength is reduced You continue to serve through the power of your prayers,” she continued.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also offered condolences “I am saddened to hear of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” Sunak tweeted Saturday.
“He was a great theologian. Our visit to the UK in 2010 was a historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics across our country.
“My thoughts are with Catholics in the UK and around the world today,” added Sunak.
Lindsey Hoyle, Speaker of the British Parliament said, “On behalf of the United Kingdom’s House of Commons I would like to express my deepest regret and sadness to learn of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict.”
Italy’s new Prime Minister Georgia Meloni Expressing appreciation for the former pope
“Benedict XVI was a giant of faith and reason. He dedicated his life to serving the universal Church and speaking. and will continue to speak to the hearts and minds of men with the spiritual, cultural and intellectual depth of his Magisterium.” tweet Saturday.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella Described Pope Benedict XVI as a “memorable figure for the Italian people”, saying that Italy was in a “lost” by his death.
His gentleness and wisdom were a blessing. “To our community and to the entire international community,” Mattarella said Saturday in a statement.
“With dedication He continues to serve the ideals of the Church as an unprecedented Pope Emeritus with humility and composure.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz The former pope said “Leading a special church for many people”
“As a ‘German’ Pope, Benedict XVI was an extraordinary church leader for many people, not only in this country but also in the United States. The world has lost the shaped image of the Catholic Church. argumentative personality and a wise theologian My thoughts are with Pope Francis.” Scholz tweet.
Responding to Benedict’s departure Chancellor Karl Nehammer of Austria tweet: “We Catholics mourn the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
“He is an amazing historical figure. A great scholar despite his youth, Benedict XVI was one of the heads of the German-speaking Church and the first pope of modern times. who resigned from his position of his own free will
“He has a particularly good relationship with Austria. I remember well his visit to our country in 2007. May he rest in peace,” Nehammer added.
French President Emmanuel Macron On Saturday, he said “his thoughts” are with Catholics around the world after the former pope’s death.
“My thoughts are with Catholics in France and the world. My deepest condolences on the passing of His Majesty Benedict XVI, who worked with spirit and wisdom for a more fraternal world.” Macron tweet.
Mark Rutt Prime Minister of the Netherlands Said that Catholics around the world have lost “An important spiritual and intellectual leader”
“With the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the Roman Catholic Church and Catholics around the world have lost an important spiritual and intellectual leader. We remember him with respect.” Rutte tweet.
Robert Abela Prime Minister of Malta also sent condolences to the Holy See on behalf of the Government of Malta in tweetadded that “The people of Malta remembered his visit. in which he conveyed a message of unity.”
Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India said the former pope will be remembered for “Many contributions to society”
“Sorry at the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who devoted his life to the Church and the teachings of Christ. He will be remembered for his service to society. My thoughts are with the millions around the world who mourn his passing,” Modi said in a statement. tweet.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia said he was “saddened” by the former pope’s death.
“Sad to learn of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI tonight, may he rest in peace,” Albanese tweeted.
Russian President Vladimir Putinwhich leads Moscow’s invasion of Ukrainecalled former popes “A staunch defender of traditional Christian values.”
“I had the opportunity to communicate with this outstanding person. And I will forever cherish the brightest memories of him. I would like to convey to you words of sincere sympathy at this time of sorrow,” he added.
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations hailed the former pope as “Humble in prayer and study”, who “holds to the faith tirelessly seeking peace and is committed to protecting human rights.”
CNN’s Stephanie Halasz and Richard Roth contributed reporting.
