The Death of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. caused numerous international reactions and appreciations on New Year’s Eve. Condolence messages poured in from all over the world. Politicians, clergy and heads of state called Joseph Ratzinger (95) a “giant of faith”, “advocate for a more fraternal world”, “a defining figure of the Catholic Church”, “great scholar” and “one of the most extraordinary theologians”.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Benedict as a “giant of faith and reason”. “Benedict was a Christian, a pastor, a theologian: a great man whom history will not forget.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute to the former pope. “My thoughts are with the Catholics in France and around the world who are united around His Holiness Benedict XVI who have worked with soul and spirit for a more fraternal world,” he said on Saturday.
Van der Bellen “deeply touched”
In Austria, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen was “deeply moved” by the death of Benedict XVI, who had a special relationship with Austria. Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) praised the deceased as a “remarkable historical personality” and as a “great scholar at a young age”.
The world is losing “a formative figure in the Catholic Church, a combative personality and a clever theologian,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier paid tribute to Benedict XVI. as a mediator between religions.
For example, requests from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reached the Vatican from Britain. His thoughts are with all Catholics in the world, Sunak said.
Appreciation for Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute to the late Benedict XVI. as “defender of traditional Christian values”. “Benedict XVI. was a remarkable religious and political figure.” The Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Cyril, paid tribute to Benedict XVI. as an “eminent theologian” and champion of “traditional values”.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby paid tribute to Benedict XVI as “one of the greatest theologians of his time”. “In everything, not least in his writings and his sermons, he had his gaze fixed on Jesus Christ, the embodiment of the invisible God,” the Church of England spiritual leader said in a statement Saturday. Benedict also acknowledged the “fragility of man” in his decision to resign from the office of head of the Catholic Church.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
