Serbian Orthodox patriarch dies
|
President Tadic said Pavle's death was a "personal loss"
The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Pavle, has died in Belgrade, the Church has announced. The patriarch, 95, became leader of the Church in 1990. He was admitted to the city's military hospital two years ago.
Though he reportedly suffered from heart and lung conditions, the Church did not specify the cause of death.
Most of Serbia's population of seven million people are Orthodox Christians. President Boris Tadic said this was "an irredeemable death" for the nation.
"There are people who bond entire nations and Pavle was such a person," Mr Tadic said in a statement.
"His death is also my personal loss," the president said.
Bishop Amfilohije, who has served as acting head of the church during most of Pavle's illness, broke into tears as he held a prayer after announcing the death.
Bells tolled from Serbian churches, as the government announced three days of mourning, beginning on Monday.