Serbian Officials Send Condolences Over Death Of Pope Francis

Belgrade (BETAPHOTO/ANA SLOVIC)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on April 21 expressed condolences to the Roman Catholic Church and its believers across the world on his own and on the behalf of Serbian citizens over the death of Pope Francis.

"The world has lost an exceptional spiritual leader who spread love, peace and solidarity through his apostolic action. His work on "strengthening inter-religion dialogue and dedication to humanitarianism have left an indelible mark on history," Vucic said in a post on the X social media network.

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut, Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic also sent their condolences.

"His readiness to understand and support Serbia in complex international circumstances, together with his advocacy for the preservation of Christian values under threat in Kosovo and Metohija, will leave a lasting impression in our memories," Dacic said in a press release.

Jovan Palalic, deputy head of the Serbia-Italy and Holy See friendship group in the Serbian parliament, said the death of Pope Francis was a great loss to all Catholic believers, but that Serbs had reason to mourn, too, noting that he remained "consistent in the decision not to recognize the independence of Kosovo despite enormous pressure exerted in favor of it in the Vatican."

Cardinal Ladislav Nemet, Archbishop of Belgrade, thanked everyone who expressed condolences on the pope's death.

"His advocacy for peace gave us hope that the worst problems could be solved by peaceful dialogue and discussion. Pope Francis' heart was open to refugees, the weak, the poor, prisoners. May his example be a source of strength for all of us to continue our advocacy of peaceful solutions to all problems, not only in our dear Serbia, but more broadly, in the entire world," cardinal Nemet said.