Auch Papst Benedikt kondoliert zum Tod von Patriarch Alexij. In einem Telegramm spricht
er von „brüderlicher Anteilnahme am Schmerz der orthodoxen Kirche Rußlands“. Der Verstorbene
sei ein treuer „Diener Christi“ gewesen. Benedikt betet darum, dass die Christen auf
dem „Weg des Zeugnisses für das Evangelium in der Welt“ weitergehen.
(rv 05.12.2008
sk)
Lesen Sie hier das Telegramm des Papstes “To the Holy Synod
of the Russian Orthodox Church I was profoundly saddened to receive news of the
death of His Holiness Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and of All the Russias, and with
fraternal affection I wish to convey to the Holy Synod and to all the Members of the
Russian Orthodox Church my most sincere condolences, assuring you of my spiritual
closeness at this very sad time. In my prayer I beseech the Lord to welcome into
his Kingdom of eternal peace and joy this tireless servant, and to grant consolation
and comfort to all those who mourn his passing. Mindful of the common commitment
to the path of mutual understanding and cooperation between Orthodox and Catholics,
I am pleased to recall the efforts of the late Patriarch for the rebirth of the Church,
after the severe ideological oppression which led to the martyrdom of so many witnesses
to the Christian faith. I also recall his courageous battle for the defence of human
and Gospel values, especially in the European Continent, and I trust that his commitment
will bear fruit in peace and genuine progress, human, social and spiritual. At this
sad time of loss, as his mortal remains are consigned to the earth in the sure hope
of resurrection, may the memory of this servant of the Gospel of Christ be a support
for those who are now in sorrow and an encouragement for those who will benefit from
his spiritual legacy as leader of the venerable Russian Orthodox Church. With fraternal
affection in the Risen Lord, BENEDICTUS PP. XVI”