Reaction to the death of Frère Roger

Pope Benedict XVI at the end of his General Audience this morning:

"We have spoken together of sadness and joy. As a matter of fact, I received this morning very sad, dramatic news. During vespers yesterday evening, dear Frère Roger Schutz, founder of the Taizé community, was attacked and killed, probably by an unbalanced individual.

"This news impacts me all the more because just yesterday I received a letter from Frère Roger that was very moving, very friendly. In it, he writes that from the depth of his heart he wanted to tell me that 'we are in communion with you and with those who are gathered in Cologne.' Then he writes that, due to the condition of his health, it would unfortunately not be possible for him to come personally to Cologne, but that he would be spiritually present together with his brethren.

"At the bottom of this letter, he writes me how much he has the desire to come to Rome to meet me and to tell me that 'our Taizé community wants to walk in communion with the Holy Father.' Then he writes in his own hand: 'Holy Father, I assure you of my feelings of profound communion. Frère Roger Schutz of Taizé.'

"At this moment of sadness, we can only entrust to the goodness of the Lord the soul of this faithful servant of his. We know that the sadness – as we have now heard in the Psalm (Psalm 125) – will give birth again to joy. Frère Schutz is in the hands of eternal goodness, of eternal love, and has arrived at eternal joy. He admonishes us and exhorts us to be faithful laborers in the vineyard of the Lord always - even in sad situations - sure that the Lord accompanies us and gives us his joy."


From Taizé's website:
"Frère Roger has entered the life of eternity

"During the evening prayer on Tuesday 16 August, in the midst of the crowd surrounding the Community in the Church of Reconciliation, a woman - probably mentally disturbed - struck Brother Roger violently with knife blows. He died a few moments later.

"In its sorrow, the Taizé Community thanks all those who are supporting it by their affection and their prayer. On the morning of 17 August, after Brother Roger’s death, the following prayer was read in the church:

"'Christ of compassion, you enable us to be in communion with those who have gone before us, and who can remain so close to us. We confide into your hands our Brother Roger. He already contemplates the invisible. In his footsteps, you are preparing us to welcome a radiance of your brightness.'

"The funeral of Brother Roger will take place on Tuesday 23 August at 14.00.

"Each afternoon, from 15.00 to 19.00, his body is placed in the church of Taizé, so that all who wish may go and meditate close by him.

"Eight years ago, Brother Roger designated Brother Alois to succeed him, as the person in charge of the community. Brother Alois has entered straightaway into his ministry as servant of communion at the heart of the community."