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.
“Sad to learn of the death of the eminent Pope Benedict XVI,” said European Parliament President Roberta Mezzola tweets Saturday.
“Europe mourns for him. May he rest in peace.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also paid tribute. “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.
Italy’s new prime minister, Giorgio Meloni, has expressed his admiration for the former 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.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday his “thoughts” are 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 expressed condolences to the Holy See on behalf of the Maltese government tweetadding, “The people of Malta recall His Holiness’ visit, where he delivered a message of solidarity.”