Metropolitan Tikhon Attends Funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
On January 3, 2023, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon traveled to Rome, Italy, to attend the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, which took place at Saint Peter’s Square on Thursday, January 5.
Metropolitan Tikhon was received as an official guest of the Vatican along with representatives of other Orthodox Churches and distinguished ecumenical guests.
Following the Solemn Requiem Mass, His Beatitude personally offered condolences to His Holiness Pope Francis on behalf of the Orthodox Church in America.
The message of condolences reported below was previously sent to Pope Francis.
Traveling with His Beatitude was Priest Alessandro Margheritino, Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America.
Your Holiness,
I am saddened by the news of the departure from this life of Your Holiness’ predecessor, His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and I offer my condolences to Your Holiness.
His Holiness’ Christian leadership, witness to the Gospel, wide-ranging theological activity, and personal devotion to our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ were and remain an inspiration to generations of the Christian faithful, including many of the theologians and believers of the Orthodox Church in America. His desire and labor for good relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches, in particular his joint declaration with His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew—a legacy upon which Your Holiness has continued to build—will be long remembered.
His Holiness will be missed, though he leaves behind an important legacy for Christians worldwide. May the merciful Lord make the memory of His Holiness to be eternal and bring comfort to all those who grieve for him.
Yours in Christ,
+Tikhon
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada