responses to the death of frère roger

From ++Rowan:

(ACNS) The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has expressed his shock and sadness on learning of the horrific death of Brother Roger of Taizé:

“This is an indescribable shock. Brother Roger was one of the best loved
Christian leaders of our time, and hundreds of thousands will be feeling
his loss very personally, and remembering him in prayer and gratitude.

“But the shock and trauma for the community at Taizé will be heavy-and
it will be for all the young people who witnessed this event. All of
them are in our prayers.”

And from Pope Benedict:

At the end of today’s catechesis in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI paid homage to Brother Roger, who was killed yesterday in Taizé (eastern France). Visibly shaken and speaking extemporaneously, the Pontiff said this morning that he “received very sad, terrifying news; that Brother Roger, founder of the Taizé communities, was killed in a knife attack, most likely by a deranged woman”.

“This most sad news strikes me even more because just yesterday I received a letter from him,” the Pope said, “a very moving and loving letter in which he was wholeheartedly one with the Pope and all those who were in Cologne” for World Youth Days, an event that to which he could not come because of his health conditions, but in which he was “spiritually present”.

Benedict XVI also noted that, in his letter, Brother Roger said he intended to come to Rome and that the Taizé community wanted to walk with the new Pope.

“In this moment of sadness we can only commend to the Lord’s goodness the soul of His faithful servant who has reached eternal happiness,” the Pope added.

And lastly, an article from the Herald Tribune can be found here. Rest eternal grant unto him, o Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercies of God rest in peace. Amen.