DICHIARAZIONE DEL CARD. WALTER KASPER (re: passing of Moscow Patriarch Alexy II)

Vatican Press Office, Daily Bulletin ^ | December 5, 2008 | Walter Card. Kaspar

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We have learned with profound sadness of the death of His Holiness Alexis II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. Patriarch Alexis was called to guide the Russian Orthodox Church in a period of great change, and his leadership has enabled that Church to face the challenges of transition from the Soviet era to the present with renewed interior vitality. He was instrumental in fostering the enormous growth of dioceses, parishes, monasteries and educational institutions which have given new life to a Church sorely tested for so long.

I recall my many meetings with His Holiness, who always made a point of expressing his goodwill towards the Holy Father and his desire to strengthen collaboration with the Catholic Church. His personal commitment to improving relations with the Catholic Church, in spite of the difficulties and tensions which from time to time have emerged, has never been in doubt.

We join the hierarchy and faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church in commending Patriarch Alexis to our heavenly Father's eternal love, that he may be rewarded for his long and dedicated ministry to the Church he loved.

Walter Cardinal Kasper

President

Pontifical Council for promoting Christian Unity

[netmilsmom]

May he rest peacefully in the arms of Our Lord.

[topher]

People may not remember that in 2005, three significant people passed away in the span of a few months.

First was Sister Lucy Santos (the last of the Fatima children), who passed away in February.

Then Terri Schiavo was murdered within hours before the death of Pope John Paul II.

Since Pope John Paul is considered the Pope of the Secret of Fatima, when he died may have a bearing on Russia.

The reason this might be important is that the case of Obama's birth place is possibly coming before the US Supreme Court today. They will decide today if they will hear the case...

There could be rioting in the US if Obama is deemed inelgible for the Presidency...