Bavaria: Sharp: Death of Benedict XVI. great loss for church

Munich (dpa / lby) - Bavaria's Minister of Social Affairs Ulrike Scharf announced the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. described as a great loss for the Catholic Church and the community of believers. "As Pope, he gave orientation and support to millions of Christians around the world," said the CSU politician on Saturday. "He remained closely connected to his Bavarian homeland and social life in Bavaria throughout his life. With him we are losing a great pope and theologian in the service of people and social justice." Politics and business must always orient their actions to people - this call from the social encyclical is more relevant than ever. "His merits for the people, the believers all over the world and the Catholic Church have a lasting effect."