World leaders paid tribute to retired Pope Benedict XVI, who died in Vatican City on Saturday at the age of 95.
Benedict, the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign instead of serving for life, died Saturday, according to a statement. the vatican.
“Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness the Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI,” European Parliament President Roberta Mezzola tweets Saturday.
“Europe mourns for him. May he rest in peace.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen The former pope “sends a strong signal by resigning,” said Saturday.
“Pope Benedict fell ill upon arrival to the lady. My sympathies go out to all Catholics,” von der Leyen said in a statement. tweetadding, “He sent a strong signal by resigning. He sees himself first and foremost as a servant of God and the Church.”
“Once his physical strength weakened, he continued to serve through the power of prayer,” she continued.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Also pay homage. “Sad to learn of the passing of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI,” Sunak tweeted on Saturday.
“He was a great theologian and his visit to the UK in 2010 was a historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics in our country.
“My heart goes out to Catholics in the UK and around the world today,” Sunak added.
Speaker of the British Parliament Lindsay Hoyle He said: “On behalf of the House of Commons, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences and sorrow at the news of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Expressed her admiration for the previous Pope.
“Benedict XVI was a giant of faith and reason. He gave his life to the service of the universal Church and spoke to people with the spiritual, cultural and intellectual depth of his teaching and will continue to speak to people’s hearts and minds speech,” she tweets Saturday.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella Describing Pope Benedict XVI as an “unforgettable figure for the Italian people”, he said Italy was “bereaved” by his death.
Mattarella said in a statement Saturday that his tenderness and wisdom were a blessing “to our community and to the entire international community.”
“He continues to serve the cause of his Church with humility and equanimity as never before in his emeritus pope.”
german chancellor olaf schulz Said the former pope “was a special church leader for many”.
“As a ‘German’ Pope, Benedict XVI is for many a special Church leader, not only in this country. The world has lost the Catholic Church’s character-making, polemical personality and clever theology Home. My thoughts are with Pope Francis,” Schultz tweets.
In response to the passing of Benedict, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer tweets: “We Catholics mourn the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI together.
“He was a remarkable historical figure and a great scholar even at a young age. Benedict XVI was one of the few German-speaking Church leaders and the first Pope in modern times to voluntarily resign from office .
“He had a particularly grateful relationship with Austria; I vividly remember his visit to our country in 2007. May he rest in peace,” Nehammer added.
French President Emmanuel Macron He said on Saturday his “thoughts” were with Catholics around the world following the death of the former pope.
“My heart goes out to Catholics in France and around the world in mourning the loss of His Holiness Benedict XVI, who worked with soul and wisdom for a more fraternal world,” Macron said. tweets.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Catholics around the world had lost “an important spiritual and intellectual leader”.
“With the death of the eminent Pope Benedict XVI, the Roman Catholic Church and all Catholics around the world have lost an important spiritual and intellectual leader. We remember him with respect,” Rutte tweets.
Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela Also expresses condolences to the Holy See on behalf of the Government of Malta tweetadding, “The people of Malta recall His Holiness’ visit, where he delivered a message of solidarity.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi The former pope will be remembered for his “rich service to society”.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who devoted his life to the Church and to the teachings of Christ the Lord. He will be remembered for his rich service to society. My heart goes out to the rest of the world for his passing My thoughts are with the grieving millions,” Modi said in a statement. tweet.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Said he was “sad” by the former pope’s death.
“Sad to hear that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has passed away tonight. May he rest forever,” Albanese tweeted.
russian president putinLed Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, called the former pope a “staunch defender of traditional Christian values”.
He added: “I had the opportunity to communicate with this remarkable man, whom I will always cherish as fondest memories. I would like to send you my sincere words of sympathy at this time of grief.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres He praised the former pope as “a man of humble prayer and study” who “stands firm in his faith, tirelessly in pursuit of peace and steadfast in defense of human rights”.
CNN’s Stephanie Halasz and Richard Roth contributed reporting.