On the death of Pope Benedict XVI: “An impressive theologian”

After the death of Benedict XVI. the former pope is acknowledged as an “experienced theologian”. Church dignitaries and politicians also emphasized its importance for Germany.

The chairman of the Catholic German Bishops’ Conference, Georg Bätzing, has the late former Pope Benedict XVI. as an “impressive theologian” and “experienced shepherd”. “We mourn the loss of a personality who gave hope and direction to the church even in difficult times,” said Bätzing. Pope Benedict made the voice of the gospel audible “whether it was convenient or not,” said the Limburg bishop.

But Bätzing also referred to the recent criticism leveled at the former Pope of dealing with cases of abuse during his time as Archbishop of Munich. “He asked forgiveness from those affected, but questions remained unanswered.”

Scholz: “A special church leader”

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) emphasized Benedict’s importance for Germany. “As a ‘German’ Pope, Benedict XVI was a special church leader for many, not only in this country,” Scholz explained on Twitter. “The world is losing a formative figure in the Catholic Church, a controversial personality and a clever theologian.”

Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner wrote on Twitter. “Benedict XVI was a historical figure and a not uncontroversial intellectual. But today we commemorate him as a human being.”