Scholz pays tribute to the late Pope Benedict XVI.

as a "formative figure of the Catholic Church"

Created: 2022-12-31Updated: 2022-12-31, 12:03 p.m

By: Kai Hartwig

After the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the French President have expressed their condolences.

The reactions.

Berlin/Rome/Vatican City - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

is dead. The Vatican confirmed on Saturday morning (December 31) that the former head of the Catholic Church had died at the age of 95.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the Bavarian as a "special church leader".

We summarize the reactions to the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

together:

Olaf Scholz (Chancellor of Germany)

“As a 'German' pope, Benedict XVI.

for many not only in this country a special church leader.

The world loses a formative figure of the Catholic Church, a controversial personality and a clever theologian.

My thoughts are with Pope Francis.”

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

is dead. © Sven Hoppe/dpa

Emmanuel Macron (President of France)

"My thoughts are with the Catholics in France and around the world who are celebrating His Holiness Benedict XVI.

mourn those who worked with soul and mind for a more fraternal world.”

Markus Söder (Prime Minister of Bavaria)

“We mourn our Bavarian Pope.

The death of Benedict XVI

touches me just like many people very much.

With him, society loses a convincing representative of the Catholic Church and one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century.

Many people in his homeland will remember him not only as Pope but also as a humble pastor.

He gave many people strength and direction.

At the same time, however, he had to face up to the responsibility for difficult phases in his work.

Personally, I like to think back to the many moving encounters with Benedict XVI.

return.

We will not forget his several-day visit to Bavaria as the new Pope, who expressed his love for the country and its people.

He always carried his homeland in his heart.”