Calin Popescu-Tariceanu : "I have learnt with deep regret that His Holiness Pope John Paul II passed into eternity. This piece of news united in emotion the entire humanity, regardless of religion and borders. And we do feel as Romanians the same emotion"

Public message by Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu further to the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II

"I have learnt with deep regret that His Holiness Pope John Paul II passed into eternity. This piece of news has united in emotion the entire humanity, regardless of religion and borders. And as Romanians, we do feel the same emotion.

On behalf of the Romanian Government, I have conveyed a sympathy message to His Eminence, Reverendissime Cardinal Eduardo Martiney Somalo , Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. I am conveying now publicly our sympathy message, taking into account what His Holiness represented for humanity.

John Paul II was a genuine athleta Christi . We will never forget his unrivalled devotion for the freedom of each person, and the approach between the Christian churches, and the dialogue between different religions. We will never forget the historic ecumenical pilgrimage from 1999, when the Holy Father conveyed his apostolic blessing to all Romanians.

His Holiness was a creator of history. He was a symbol of liberty, hope and faith for the hostages of communism, poverty and abuses.

For all he built and conveyed to people, we will always remember him."