‘Weakness’ in the pursuit of peace: Guterres pays tribute to former Pope Benedict

Secretary-General António Guterres said he had learned of his struggle, “with great sadness”, describing him as “a humble man of prayer and study.”

Defender of human rights

“Though principled in his faith, humble in his pursuit of peace, determined in the defense of human rights, he is a spiritual guide to millions around the world and one of the great academics of our time.”

When Pope Benedict XVI ascended to the papacy after his election in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI, formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, became the first pope to resign in six hundred years. The Vatican announced that the funeral of the German coach will be held in St.

His successor, Pope Francis, told a New Year’s Eve service at the Vatican that Benedict will be remembered fondly “with emotion, we remember his person, noble, kind. And we felt so much gratitude in our hearts.”

Visit the UN Office

In his statement, Mr. Guterres recalled the Pontiff’s previous visit in 2008 to the UN headquarters, and his plea for “building international relations in a way that allows everyone and everyone to feel that they can make a difference.”

The UN chief said “strong calls for solidarity with marginalized people everywhere and his urgent appeals to close the widening gap between rich and poor are more important than ever.”

Pope Benedict XVI Meets United Nations Officials during his visit to United Nations headquarters in April 2008. (File Photo).

‘Strong commitment to violence’

The Secretary-General sympathized with all Catholics “and others around the world who were inspired by his prayer life and his steadfast commitment to non-violence and peace.”

According to news reports, Benedict’s body will be placed in St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday, giving the Catholic faithful the opportunity to collect the past and pay their respects.

Benedict was elected in 1951 and became the archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977. Four years later, he began a powerful career in the Vatican, defending the church’s liturgy, as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

When he resigned in 2013, citing failing health, he said he had done so purely “for the good of the church”, and retired to live out his days in a monastery. within Vatican territory.