It is with regret that we have learned of the
decision by His Holiness Pope Benedict to retire from his Throne, because with
his wisdom and experience he could have provided much more to the Church and the
world.
Pope Benedict leaves an indelible mark on the
life and history of the Roman Catholic Church, sealed not only by his brief
papacy, but also by his broad and longstanding contribution as a theologian and
hierarch of his Church, as well as his universally acknowledged prestige.
His writings will long speak of his deep
theological understanding, through his knowledge of the Fathers of the undivided
Church, his familiarity with contemporary reality, and his keen interest in the
problems of humankind.
We Orthodox will always honor him as a friend of
our Church and a faithful servant of the sacred proposition for the union of
all. Moreover, we shall rejoice upon learning of his sound health and the
productivity of his theological work.
Personally, we remember with emotion his visit
to the See of the Ecumenical Patriarchate over six years ago, together with the
numerous encounters and excellent cooperation, which we enjoyed throughout the
duration of his primatial ministry.
From the Phanar, we pray that the Lord will
manifest his worthy successor as the head of the sister Church of Rome, and that
we may also continue with this successor on our common journey toward the unity
of all unto the glory of God.
