Pope Benedict: Vaclav Havel a visionary leader

Pope Benedict XVI has mourned the death of democracy icon Vaclav Havel. In a telegram to the President of the Czech Republic, the Holy Father describes Havel as a courageous defender of human rights “at a time when these were systematically denied to the people of your country, and paying tribute to his visionary leadership in forging a- new democratic polity after the fall of the previous regime, I give thanks to God for the freedom that the people of the Czech Republic now enjoy”.

On Thursday, thousands of people accompanied the former President’s coffin as it was taken to Prague Castle for his lying in state. Havel became president of Czechoslovakia in 1989 after the fall of communism. When Slovakia split in 1993, he remained Czech leader until 2003.
The state funeral is being celebrated Friday in Saint Vitus' Cathedral.

Below the complete text of Pope Benedict XVI’s telegram:

His Excellency Václav Klaus President of the Czech Republic
Having learned with sadness of the death of Former President Václav Havel, I send heartfelt condolences at this time of national mourning. I join all those who have gathered in Saint Vitus' Cathedral for the solemn funeral rite in commending the soul of the deceased to the infinite mercy of our heavenly Father. Remembering how courageously Mr Havel defended human rights at a time when these were systematically denied to the people of your country, and paying tribute to his visionary leadership in forging a- new democratic polity after the fall of the previous regime, I give thanks to God for the freedom that the people of the Czech Republic now enjoy. As a pledge of spiritual strength and comfort, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to all who mourn in the hope of resurrection to new life.
BENEDICTUS PP. XVI