Bätzing: "Day of mourning and farewell"

Created: 12/31/2022, 4:34 p.m

Limburg Bishop Georg Bätzing makes a statement on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict.

© Thomas Frey/dpa

The late former pope was not made for the stage, says the Limburg bishop.

But he was "an impressive theologian and experienced shepherd" - despite some stumbling blocks.

Limburg - The chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, has the deceased Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

recognized as a great theologian and humble man.

The Bishop of Limburg wrote in the book of condolences "full of gratitude and sadness" on Saturday: "In God's goodness and mercy - which he proclaimed so often - he will always find a home."

Benedikt was "an impressive theologian and experienced shepherd," said Bätzing on Saturday morning.

Catholics mourned the loss of a personality who brought hope and direction to the Church even in difficult times.

"Pope Benedict made the voice of the gospel - whether convenient or not - audible."

"Today is a day of mourning, of farewell, but for me, on the inside, much more of gratitude and respect for a great man of the church," said Bätzing at noon at a spontaneously scheduled press conference in Limburg.

It was not always easy for his compatriots to deal with him.

"He also put many a stumbling block in the way."

Bätzing paid tribute to "the modest and humble nature" of the late Pope Emeritus.

"He wasn't born for the public and the stage." Bätzing spoke of Benedik's "courageous" decision to resign as Pope with "great respect".

Some felt it was "perhaps the greatest feat of his life."

Bätzing also recalled the letter with which Benedikt reacted to the publication of the Munich abuse report earlier this year.

Benedict made it clear: "Any abuse is a crime" and he asked those affected for forgiveness.

But questions remained unanswered.

"He went into the eternity of God with these questions." dpa