Patriarch Kiril’s condolences over the death of President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez
His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, sent the following message of condolences over the death of President Hugo Chavez to interim president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro:
His Excellency Nicolas Maduro
Interim President
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Your Excellency,
I would like to extend my condolences to the state leaders and citizens of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela over the death of President Hugo Chavez.
The deceased was one of the most striking political leaders of today, a sincere patriot of his country who exerted much effort to improve the living conditions of the Venezuelan people. Mr. Chavez was broadly renowned in the world community for his independent and principled stand.
I remember with warmth my meeting with the late President during my visit to Venezuela in October 2008. During our dialogue, my interlocutor proved to be a strong-will statesman who attached a great importance to the development of spiritual relations between nations.
At this difficult and important moment, I sympathize with the Venezuelan people and wish strength and consolation to the relatives and friends of the deceased in their grief.
With sincere condolences,
+Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia