Pope, a unique and extraordinary spiritual leader: Israeli President

February 16, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI is a unique and extraordinary spiritual leader, said Israeli President Shimon Peres, on Friday. He was speaking about the Pope's decision to renounce the papacy.
This is an original decision, for he is a man of originality and courage, the President said, adding that he believes that the contribution of Pope Benedict has made ​​a major impact.

The Pope is a man of deep thought. The body may grow old, but wisdom never gets old.
His commitment to peace and humanity is authentic. He has the sincerity of the true believer, the wisdom of those who understand the changes of history and the knowledge that, despite the differences, we must not become strangers or enemies, continued the Israeli President.

He said the Pope has made many remarkable gestures in relations between the Catholic Church and the Jewish people. They include his affirmation that the Jewish people are not responsible for the death of Jesus, that Jews are "our elder brothers", and that God has never abandoned the Jewish people.

Shimon Peres recalled that the Pope visited Israel and the Great Synagogue in Rome to express his friendship and solidarity. I personally accompanied him in Israel, and I found him friendly and full of affection. He prayed for peace in the Middle East, just as I do, and others, added the President.

Israeli President also said that the Pope cannot be considered as the administrative leader of the Vatican, but as the spiritual leader, with a depth of knowledge and wisdom. I consider him a friend. I wish him well and I will remain in contact with him. In Jerusalem we pray so that he can regain his physical strength and offer his depth of wisdom, and friendship to all peoples and all religions. We will remember him with respect and appreciation for what he did, concluded the President.