President Higgins has paid tribute to Former Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who has died today at the age of 95.
The President said he remembered him for his efforts to promote unity and peace, especially in Northern Ireland.
The Archbishop of Canterbury described the late pope as “one of the greatest theologians of his age”.
The President said today: “At this time of the return of war on our continent and in so many areas of the world, he will be remembered for his untiring efforts to find a common path in promoting peace and goodwill throughout the world, including a steadfast interest in peace in Northern Ireland.”
The President said that the former Pope’s work was respected “by both supporters and critics”.
“Of particular importance was that during his tenure”, he continued, “Pope Benedict sought to highlight both the common purpose of the world’s major religions and his injunctions as to how our individual responsibilities as citizens require the highest standards of ethics in our actions”.
President Higgins extended his condolences to his family, to Pope Francis, to Archbishop Eamon Martin, to his friends and colleagues, and to members of the Catholic Church worldwide.
