Catholic leaders are offering condolences on the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who served as 39th president of the United States. Carter died Dec. 29 at age 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Pope Francis “was saddened to learn of the death of former President Jimmy Carter and offers heartfelt condolences,” said a telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, on behalf of Pope Francis. The pope praised former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s Christian faith and his lifelong mission to advance peace.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement that Carter’s “lifelong work on behalf of peace among nations will continue to serve as an inspiration for a world in need of peacemakers.”
Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer of Atlanta said in a message of condolence that “President and Mrs. Carter exemplified the Christian faith,” and that through their humanitarian work they “made the world a better place.