Heads of Asian nations joined world leaders in paying tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on New Year’s Eve at the age of 95, hailing his commitment to non-violence and universal peace.
Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, said Pope Benedict would be “remembered for his rich service to society.”
A prominent theologian and academic, Benedict made history by becoming the first pope to resign in six centuries, leading to a conclave that elected Pope Francis.
Pope Benedict devoted “his entire life to the Church and the teachings of Lord Christ,” Modi said on the social media site Twitter on 31 December 2022.
“My thoughts are with the millions around the world who grieve his passing,” Modi said in his Tweet.
Bangladesh’s prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, issued a condolence message on January 1, expressing “deep shock and sorrow” at the death of the retired pope.
“Pope Benedict’s non-violent policy and establishment of universal peace will always be remembered,” Hasina said.
Pakistan’s president, Arif Alvi, tweeted that the late pope “will be remembered for his commitment to peace, love, harmony, to interfaith dialogue and in these xenophobic times as a staunch advocate of the refugees & migrants.”
The country’s prime minister also tweeted to offer his condolences. “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He would be mourned by millions around the world including in Pakistan. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he tweeted on December 31.
Philippine president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., tweeted, “We are in deep sorrow upon learning of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI today.”
He added that the Philippines “is one in offering our prayers for the eternal repose of his soul. We keep his loved ones in our prayers.”
Yoon Suk Yeol, the president of South Korea, offered a flower during a visit to a memorial space for the late former Pope Benedict at the Apostolic Nunciature to Korea in Seoul on January 2, the Yonhap news agency reported.
Park Jeong-ha, a spokesperson for the ruling People Power Party, hailed the courage of the former pope for his resignation calling it “a symbol of the renovation of the Church” and said that he led “a life as a pilgrim,” which will be remembered forever, according to the Korean Herald.
Park Sung-joon, a spokesperson of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party, expressed deep condolences over his death, acknowledging Pope Benedict’s special attention to peace and unification of the Korean Peninsula.
At that time, Pope Benedict joined the Muslim leaders in silent prayer. Apart from humility, what he does is a reflection of someone who wants to bridge differences and loves peace. Have a good rest in peace. May his good deeds be accepted by God
Yaqut Cholil Qoumas
Japanese prime minister, Fumio Kishida, expressed his condolences on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. In a statement, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said Kishida referred to the great contributions Benedict made toward world peace.
He said that Japan was greatly moved by a message Benedict sent after the 2011 tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster, spiritually uplifting the people of Japan.
Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Indonesia’s minister of Religion Affairs, said in a tweet on January 1 that he “heard a lot about” Pope Benedict as an example of humility.
“He is also a figure who wants to bridge differences. His visit to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2006, demonstrated his commitment to bridging differences,” said the minister.
“At that time, Pope Benedict joined the Muslim leaders in silent prayer. Apart from humility, what he does is a reflection of someone who wants to bridge differences and loves peace. Have a good rest in peace. May his good deeds be accepted by God,” Qoumas said.
His contribution to Vatican II, his strong support of the mission of St. John Paul II, and his intellectual acumen are memorable contributions to the Church today
Cardinal Bo
In a message, Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam said that the Church had lost “a holy Father, a good shepherd, a great master, and a faithful witness.”
Archbishop Nguyen called on the country’s 27 dioceses to hold special Masses to pray for Pope Benedict XVI together with the universal Church on January 5, the day of his funeral.
“May God, a merciful Father, grant the blessings of the Kingdom to the simple, humble worker in his vineyard,” the archbishop said.
In Myanmar, Charles Cardinal Bo, archbishop of Yangon, hailed Pope Benedict for his great contributions to the Church and the world.
“He is an erudite scholar, whose books have brought the understanding of the message to millions,” Cardinal Bo said.
“His contribution to Vatican II, his strong support of the mission of St. John Paul II, and his intellectual acumen are memorable contributions to the Church today. He remained faithful to the tradition and the teachings of the Church,” he said.
Cardinal Bo, who is president of the Federation of the Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) noted that the late pope’s “words, life, and gesture of resigning boldly to further the holiness of the Church are great and moving contributions.”
The government of Taiwan said that the late pope would be “remembered for his humility and caring for all humanity.” UCAN
