World leaders pay tribute to Benedict XVI, the pope emeritus, who died on Saturday at the age of 95 in Vatican City.
Benedict, who was the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign rather than hold office for life, died on Saturday, according to a statement from The Vatican.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola tweeted Saturday.
“Europe mourns him. May he rest in peace.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said on Saturday that the former pope has “sent a strong signal by his resignation”.
“The passing of Pope Benedict saddens me. My condolences go out to all Catholics,” von der Leyen said in a tweet, adding: “He had sent a strong signal by his resignation. He saw himself first and foremost as a servant of God and his Church.”
“Once his physical strength waned, he continued to serve through the power of his prayers,” she continued.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also paid tribute. “I am saddened by the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” Sunak tweeted Saturday.
“He was a great theologian whose visit to the UK in 2010 was a historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics across our country.
“My thoughts today are with Catholic people in the UK and around the world,” Sunak added.
The Speaker of the UK Parliament, Lindsay Hoyle said: “On behalf of the British House of Commons, I wish to convey my sincere condolences and sadness on receiving the news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict.”
Italy’s new Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni expressed her admiration for the former pope.
“Benedict XVI was a giant of faith and reason. He dedicated his life to the service of the universal Church and spoke, and will continue to speak, to the hearts and minds of people with the spiritual, cultural and intellectual depth of his Magisterium,” she said. tweeted Saturday.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella described Pope Benedict XVI as an “unforgettable figure for the Italian people”, and said Italy is in “mourning” over his death.
His kindness and wisdom were a blessing “to our community and the entire international community,” Mattarella said in a statement Saturday.
“With dedication, he continued to serve the cause of his church in the unprecedented capacity of Pope Emeritus with humility and serenity.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the former pope was “an extraordinary church leader for many”.
“As a ‘German’ pope, Benedict XVI was a special church leader for many, not only in this country. The world loses a formative figure of the Catholic Church, an argumentative personality and a clever theologian. My thoughts are with Pope Francis,” said Scholz tweeted.
In response to Benedict’s death, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer tweeted: “Together we Catholics mourn the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
“He was a remarkable historical figure, a great scholar even at a young age. Benedict XVI was one of the few German-speaking Church leaders and the first pope of the modern era to resign of his own accord.
“He had a very appreciative relationship with Austria; I remember well his visit to our country in 2007. May he rest in peace,” Nehammer added.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that his “thoughts” were with Catholics around the world following the former pope’s death.
“My thoughts are with the Catholics of France and the world, who mourn the departure of His Holiness Benedict XVI, who worked with soul and intelligence for a more fraternal world,” Macron said. tweeted.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Catholics around the world have lost “an important spiritual and intellectual leader.”
“With the death of emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, the Roman Catholic Church and all Catholics worldwide lose an important spiritual and intellectual leader. We remember him with respect,” said Rutte. tweeted.
Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela also expressed his condolences to the Holy See on behalf of the Government of Malta in a tweetadding: “The people of Malta remember His Holiness’s visit where he delivered a message of unity.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the former pope will be remembered for his “rich service to society.”
“Saddened by the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who devoted his entire life to the Church and the teachings of the Lord Christ. He will be remembered for his rich service to society. My thoughts are with the millions around the world who are mourning his passing,” Modi said in a statement tweet.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was “saddened” by the death of the former pope.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI tonight. May he rest in eternal peace,” Albaniase tweeted.
Russian President Vladimir Putinleading Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine called the former pope “a staunch defender of traditional Christian values”.
“I had the opportunity to communicate with this extraordinary person and I will always keep the best memories of him. I want to convey to you the words of sincere sympathy in this sad hour,” he added.
DailyExpertNews’s Stephanie Halasz contributed to the reporting.