Grand Ducal couple mourns the loss of Pope Francis
The sudden death of Pope Francis moves the believers worldwide, including in Luxembourg, which was only traveled by Francis last September. The Grand Ducal Pair also published on the official website of the courtyard Condolence letterdirected at the State Secretary of the Holy Chair, Archbishop Pietro Parolin: « Pope Francis was a man of great sympathy who shared the needs and the suffering of others. He always took care of the problems of the most disadvantaged people and the refugees, devoted himself to the weakest and had an open ear for the hopes of youth. »
Pope Francis visits Luxembourg, here with Grand-Duc Henri and Grand-Duchesse Maria Teresa. Photo: Marc Wilwert
« The Grand Duchess and I are very sad about the news of the death of his holiness Pope Francis. Our grief is all the greater when we still had the honor and the great pleasure of welcoming him to an official visit to Luxembourg in October, » continued Grand Duke Henri. « He was a spiritual leader for us and for the world beyond the church. We speak out our deeply felt condolences to them and through them. »
Prime Minister Luc Frieden also reacted to the death of the head of the church with grief. « It was a great honor for me to welcome Pope Francis in Luxembourg last September, » said Frieden on the short message service X. In a phone call with the « Luxembourg word », peace emphasized the importance of the visit: « Francis has been the second Pope and the first Pope has come to Luxembourg for 40 years, that is special and will play an important role in the history of our country. »
The personal encounter with the head of the church was remembered: « What impressed me is that he was a very human, personable and optimistic pope – despite all the difficulties in the world. I felt that very much at the audience in Luxembourg. » The head of government expressed his sympathy for all Catholics and Luxembourg. At the same time, he emphasized that many messages of the Argentine Pope were of universal importance and extended far beyond the Catholic Church: « He was a very open -minded Pope who repeatedly pointed out to us to important principles like the preservation of peace, the protection of the environment, the struggle against poverty. »
He found out about the Pope’s death, said Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel on X. « Although our views did not always match, we had great respect for each other and in front of the perspectives of the other. He will remember for his modesty, his commitment to the poor and his efforts to modernize the church, » writes Bettel.
Luxembourg’s city mayor Lydie Polfer also commemorates the Pope’s visit: “Although we knew that his state of health was fragile, the news of his death on this Easter Monday is deeply. We are happy to remember his visit to the Luxembourg population. Deeply grateful for the time he devoted to our community at this memorable moment. ”
From Germany, Friedrich Merz and the still managing Chancellor Olaf Scholz reported to the death of the Pope: « The death of Pope Francis fills me with great grief, » said Merz. « Francis will be remembered for his tireless efforts for the weakest of society, for justice and reconciliation. »
The executive Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) said: « With Pope Francis, the Catholic Church and the world lose a advocate of the weak, a reconciler and warm person. »
EU Council President Antonio Costa also paid tribute to the Pontifex. Pope Francis was of deep sympathy, he also wrote on the platform X. The great global challenges of our time – migration, climate change, inequality, peace – would have been as important to him as the everyday problems of all people. He also wrote: « May his ideas continue to lead us to a hopeful future. »
Further reactions from Europe and the world
France President Emmanuel Macron: « From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the church to bring joy and hope to the poorest of poorest.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: « We leave a big man and a great pastor behind. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and teaching, who never failed even in times of examination and suffering. »
Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella: « His apprenticeship recalled the message of the gospel, solidarity among people, the duty to proximity to the weakest, international cooperation and peace in humanity. »
So it goes on after the death of Pope Francis
Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez: « His commitment to peace, social justice and for the weakest leaves a profound legacy. Quiet in peace. »
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: « With his modesty and sincere love for the less happy, he inspired millions, far beyond the borders of the Catholic Church. »
Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban: « We thank you for everything, holy father! We say goodbye. »
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: « In his modest life and in his weekly audience, he demonstrated his commitment to peace, equality and inclusion. »
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-Te: « We will continue to be inspired by his lifelong commitment to peace, global solidarity and care for people in need. »
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon: « He was a humble man whose legacy includes his unshakable commitment to the weak, for social justice and interreligious dialogue. My thoughts are among the Catholics and all those in New Zealand and worldwide. »
Worshiped by the believers, hated with the traditionalists
Poland President Andrzej Duda: « He was a great apostle of mercy in which he saw the answer to the challenges of modern world. »
Former FIFA President Joseph Blatter on X: « The Holy Father was not only a friend of people and an impressive personality. He also a football connoisseur. »
After the death of Pope Francis, US Vice President JD Vance spoke his sympathy worldwide. « I just experienced from the death of Pope Francis. My deep sympathy applies to the millions of Christians worldwide who loved him. I was happy to see him again yesterday, even though he was obviously very sick, » Vance wrote to X. « May God give him peace. »
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: « The deepest condolences for the Catholic community and everyone who was touched by his humanity. »
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi: « Pope Francis will be remembered millions of people in the world as a beacon of compassion, modesty and spiritual mut ».
This is how the churches react worldwide
The Latin patriarchy in Jerusalem: « May the Lord take him into his kingdom and his glory. »
Georg Bätzing, chair of the German Bishops’ Conference: « In deep grief, we bow to a Pope who was concerned about being among the people and going to the edges of society. »
With dpa and mer
