The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, paid homage to Benedict XVI: since this morning the mortal remains of the Pope emeritus have been on display in St. Peter's Basilica.
Mattarella pays homage to the pope emeritus
Il head of state, last December 31, he sent the following message of condolence to His Holiness Pope Francis. “I wish to join the deeply moved sentiments of all Italians in offering Your Holiness the expressions of the sincere condolences of the Italian Republic for the death of Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus. A distinguished theologian, brilliant academic and man of extremely fine culture, Joseph Ratzinger has profoundly marked the life of the Church for over half a century, dedicating himself with passion, consistency and dedication to reflection on fundamental aspects of Christianity and its relationship with modernity. In the enthralling experience of the Second Vatican Council, in teaching at the most prestigious universities in his native Germany and in his pastoral activity, he outlined an intellectual and faith journey.
A journey that since the years of his long and intense collaboration with Saint John Paul II, he has placed unreservedly at the service of the universal Church, then continuing with serenity in the unprecedented role of Pope Emeritus. His pontificate represented for millions of men and women - believers and non-believers - a very bright and fruitful testimony of the evangelical principles. With the mild firmness proper to his character, Benedict XVI he was able to give a particular impetus to the dialogue between faith and reason, between updating and tradition, always placing the values of Christian humanism at the center of his preaching - and of all his teaching - the values of Christian humanism.
The Christian roots of our country
Your disappearance marks for Italy the loss of a pastor who in the course of a long life has repeatedly testified to you a deep affection, combined with a sincere attachment to that immense cultural heritage intimately linked to the Christian roots and traditions of our country . In this hour, which is one of prayer for believers and recollection for all, the whole of Italy gathers around Your Holiness with heartfelt sympathy and renews, Holy Father, the affectionate expressions of the most sincere closeness to you".
An unforgettable figure for the Italian people
Upon hearing the news of Benedict XVI's death, President Mattarella remarked: “The death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is a mourning for Italy. His gentleness and his wisdom have benefited our community and the entire international community. With dedication he continued to serve the cause of his Church in the unprecedented guise of Pope Emeritus with humility and serenity. His figure remains unforgettable for the Italian people. Intellectual and theologian, he finely interpreted the reasons for dialogue, for peace, for the dignity of the person, as the supreme interests of religions. With gratitude we look to his testimony and his example ”.
(Texts quirinale.it/Photo Ansa/quirinale.it)
