The United Nations, United States, Canada’s Prime Minister and Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari have joined other important personality to mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Saturday 31st December, 2022.
Former Pope Benedict XVI, who died in a monastery in the Vatican at the age of 95, was the first pontiff in almost 600 years to resign his position, rather than hold office for life, passed away on Saturday, according to a statement from the Vatican.
“With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican,” the Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni said.
The funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be held on Thursday in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City at 9:30 a.m. local time, Bruni said. The funeral will be led by Pope Francis.
The former pope’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican from Monday for the faithful to bid farewell, Vatican News reported Saturday. As per the wish of Pope Emeritus, his funeral will be “simple,” Bruni said.
UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres in a statement released after Pope Benedict’s death, said the world will remember the Pope as a humble man of prayer and study.
He said further that Pope Benedict principled in his faith, tireless in his pursuit of peace, and determined in his defence of human rights, adding that the Pope was a spiritual guide to millions across the world and one of leading academic theologians of his time.
“We recall his 2008 visit and address to the United Nations and his appeal for “building international relations in a way that allows every person and every people to feel they can make a difference.”
UN Chief noted that Pope Benedict’s powerful calls for solidarity with marginalized people everywhere and his urgent appeals to close widening gap between rich and poor are more relevant than ever.
While offering his deepest condolences to Catholics and others around the world who were inspired by his life of prayer and tenacious commitment to non-violence and peace.
United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken while paying tribute to Pope Benedict, said United States mourns the passing of His Holiness Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus, a holy man, witness to faith, and once Shepherd of the Catholic faithful.
According to the statement released on Saturday, Blinken said further that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was a dedicated leader and was committed to interfaith dialogue.
Adding that Pope Benedict was an advocate for vulnerable persons, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and migrants.
“He supported international legal measures to defend them. He was a renowned theologian within the Catholic Church for decades.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the Catholic faithful around the world, the Holy See, and all those whose lives were enriched by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s spiritual guidance”, Secretary of State said.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said on tweets that His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI dedicated his life to serving his faith.
Trudeau stated further that Pope Benedict was an accomplished theologian and scholar, and was an inspiration to millions. “My thoughts are with Catholics around the world and all those who are mourning his passing”.
On behalf of Goverment and people of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari commiserated with Pope Francis, the Catholic Church in Nigeria and around the world, as well as all Christian faithful who mourn the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
In a statement released by his aide, Nigerian President paid tribute to Pope Benedict XVI, saying the Pope was greatly admired globally for his selfless leadership, renowned learning as a theologian, dedication to advance inter-faith dialogue and peace.
Buhari believed that the late Pontiff will be remembered as a true servant of God who used the benevolent gifts of the Almighty upon his life to serve the Church and humanity in humility, reverence and piety, living in word and deed the virtues of a true Christian disciple.
He prayed that the Pope Emeritus receives eternal embrace in the loving arms of the Lord, whom he served faithfully throughout his vocation.
Pope Benedict was a powerful force in the Catholic Church for decades, born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany in 1927, he was the son of a policeman. He was ordained as a priest in 1951, made a cardinal in 1977, and later served as chief theological adviser to Pope John Paul II.
He was elected pope in April 2005, following John Paul II’s death, known to be more conservative than his successor, Pope Francis, who has made moves to soften the Vatican’s position on abortion, homosexuality, as well as doing more to deal with the sexual abuse crisis that has engulfed the church in recent years and clouded Benedict’s legacy.