His HolinessPatriarch Alexy Sent a Message of Condolences to the Vatican on the Demise of His Holiness John Paul II, the Pope of Rome

On 3 April 2005, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia sent a message of condolences to Vatican on the demise of His Holiness John Paul II, the Pope of Rome. The text is given below.            

His Eminence
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals
Vatican City

 

Your Eminence!

May I express profound condolences to you and in your person to the plenitude of the Roman Catholic Church on the demise of His Holiness John Paul II, the Pope of Rome. We mourn together with you over the loss that has befallen the Roman Catholic Church.

The late Primate of the ancient Roman See was distinguished by his commitment to the path that he chose in his youth and by his ardent will in following his Christian ministry and witness. In spite of his serious ailments, he remained faithful to his duty, courageously taking care for his flock to the very last days of his life. He endured sufferings uncomplainingly with prayer and hoping upon the will of the All-Gracious Lord, thus giving an inspiring example to many people.

The pontificate of His Holiness Pope John Paul II was a whole epoch in the life of the Roman Catholic Church and in modern history. The person of the deceased Pope, his works and ideas have greatly influenced the cause of events in the world.

I hope that a new period in the life of the Roman Catholic Church will help to renew the relations of mutual respect and brotherly Christian love between our Churches.

I offer my prayers to the Conqueror of death and the Master of Life our Lord Jesus Christ to repose the soul of His Holiness Pope John Paul II in the mansions of the righteous. May his memory be eternal.

+ ALEXY,

PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

 

Links:

• Metropolitan Kirill Sent His Condolences on the Demise of His Holiness John Paul II, the Pope of Rome
• A delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church expresses condolences to the Vatican representative in Russia
• DECR Chairman Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad arrives in Rome
• A delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church attends the funeral ceremony for the Pope of Rome

See also:

• His Holiness Patriarchy Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia
• Metropolitan Kirill Sent His Condolences on the Demise of His Holiness John Paul II, the Pope of Rome