Secretary-General António Guterres said he was made aware of his death, “with great sadness”, describing him as a “humble man of prayer and study”.
Human rights defender
“With his principled faith, tireless pursuit of peace, and determination to defend human rights, he is a spiritual guide to millions around the world and one of the world’s foremost academic theologians. the beginning of our time.”
Ascended to the papacy after the 2005 election, Pope Benedict XVI, formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, became the first pope to abdicate in six centuries. The Vatican announced that the funeral of the famous German theologian will take place in St. Peter’s Square.
His successor, Pope Francis, said at a New Year’s Eve ceremony in the Vatican that Benedict will be remembered fondly “with emotion, we remember him, so high. Sir, very kind. And we feel incredibly grateful in our hearts.”
Visit UN Headquarters
In his statement, Mr. Guterres recalled the former Pope’s visit to the United Nations Headquarters in 2008 and his call to “build international relations in a way that allows people and peoples to feel comfortable” They can make a difference.”
The head of the United Nations said his “strong calls for solidarity with marginalized people everywhere and his urgent calls to close the widening gap between rich and poor is more relevant than ever.”
Pope Benedict XVI Meets United Nations Staff during his visit to United Nations Headquarters in April 2008. (Documentary photo).
‘A steadfast commitment to nonviolence’
The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to all Catholics “and others around the world who were inspired by his life of prayer and his tenacious commitment to nonviolence and peace.”
According to reports, Benedict XVI’s body will be interred in St Peter’s Basilica on Monday, allowing Catholics the opportunity to visit and pay their respects.
Benedict was ordained in 1951 and became archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977. Four years later he assumed the powerful job of law enforcement in the Vatican, defending the orthodoxy of the church, as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
When he resigned in 2013, citing ill health, he said he did it freely “for the sake of the church”, and retired to live his days in a convent. located on the grounds of the Vatican.
