Federal Chancellor Scholz pays tribute to the deceased Pope

Berlin (dpa) – Acting Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has paid tribute to the work of the late Pope Francis and sent his condolences to all the faithful. “With the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church and the world have lost a voice that spoke up for the vulnerable, a reconciler, and a warm-hearted human being,” said Scholz. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described Francis as a man of peace, adding that with his passing, the world had lost “a shining symbol of hope, a credible advocate for humanity, and a compelling Christian”.  

The Chair of the German Bishops’ Conference, Georg Bätzing, praised Francis as a great Pope, saying he had opened a new chapter in the Church. Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, Munich Cardinal Reinhard Marx, and Cologne Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki will take part as German cardinals in the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor.