(October 29, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his condolences on the death of
former president of Argentina, Néstor Kirchner, who passed away on Wednesday. In
a message sent to his wife, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, the current president
of the country, the Pope said he raised "fervent prayers to God for his eternal rest."
Cristina was at the side of her husband when he died suddenly of heart attack in the
southern province of Santa Cruz, where the two were on a visit during a national holiday.
The Pontiff expressed deep sentiments of sorrow for Cristina, her children and for
the rest of the family of the deceased dignitary, as well as for the government and
for the people of Argentina. 60-year old Nestor Kirchner was the 54th president of
Argentina holding office from 2003 until 2007.