​Patriarch Daniel on Saturday sent a message of condolence to Pope Francis following the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, whom he described as a “respected and well-known modern personality”.

Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox ChurchPhoto: Agerpres

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the departure from this world after long suffering, which he endured with great courage, of the 265th Bishop of Rome, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a respected and well-known modern personality. We share the pain of Your Holiness caused by this loss and express our condolences to the entire Roman Catholic Church,” said the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

“Let us pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who is the resurrection and the life (cf. John 11:25), to rest the soul of Pope Benedict XVI in the light, peace and love of the Holy Trinity.” also shown in the message sent by Patriarch Daniel and broadcast by the Basilica.ro agency.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died on Saturday at the age of 95, the Vatican announced.