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WCC shares condolences with close colleagues of His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay sent a letter of condolence to His Eminence Cardinal Kurt Koch upon the death of His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and Pope Benedict XVI

WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and Pope Benedict XVI at an ecumenical Vespers service at the Roman basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls on Friday, 25 January 2008, marking the centennial of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Photo:
L'Osservatore Romano
03 January 2023
His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (1927-2022)
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Church and Ecumenical Relations

Pillay reflected that, during Pope Benedict’s papacy, he encouraged deeper understanding and cooperation with different Christian communions.

“We all mourn with the entire Roman Catholic Church,” wrote Pillay. “At the heart of his spiritual leadership was the promotion of a culture of peace and global solidarity.

“He was a man of deep faith, who cultivated humbleness and a servant leadership,” wrote Pillay. “On behalf of the World Council of Churches, I extend our profound condolences to his close friends, colleagues and collaborators in the Vatican, and across the globe as well as to the entire Roman Catholic Church.”

Letter of condolences at the passing of His Holiness, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI leaves a legacy of ecumenical dialogue (WCC news release, 31 December 2022)

The Ecumenical Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI (WCC feature, 31 December 2022)

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