“The Catholic faith and the Church have lost a man who combined firmness and modesty, love of neighbor and intolerance of evil. Pope Benedict XVI maintained strong principles and values throughout his life, but always remained a humble, modest man. He was a great thinker, a theologian, who is remembered by those who had the privilege of interacting with him as a man who was close to everyone. He radiated respect and love, and at the same time he was a fighter against evil,” the President pointed out speaking in honor of Pope Benedict XVI.
The Lithuanian leader stressed that Pope Benedict XVI, who witnessed both totalitarian regimes of the 20th century, had repeatedly emphasized that it was not the moral compromise with evil, but eternal values and unwavering faith that were the path to salvation. “As Pope once said, “The reality of injustice, of evil, cannot simply be ignored, or put aside. It must be overcome and defeated. Only this truly means mercy.” In today’s world, these words are more important than ever,” President Gitanas Nausėda added.
Benedict XVI, who ruled the Catholic Church from 2005 until his resignation in 2013, passed away on 31 December 2022 aged 95.
