Mon Dec 30 15:36:00 UTC 2024: ## Pope Offers Condolences, World Mourns Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter
**Washington, D.C.** – Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and champion of human rights, has passed away at the age of 98. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the globe.
Pope Francis expressed his “saddened” reaction to the news, offering heartfelt condolences and prayers in a telegram. The Pope highlighted Carter’s unwavering commitment to peace, human rights, and the welfare of the poor, noting his actions were deeply rooted in Christian faith.
The former president’s legacy extends beyond his single term (1977-1981). His accomplishments include brokering the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, negotiating the return of the Panama Canal to Panama, and signing the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty II with the Soviet Union. He also notably pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. President Joe Biden lauded Carter as “a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” praising his compassion and commitment to eradicating disease, promoting human rights, and advocating for the less fortunate. Atlanta Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Carter and his wife Rosalynn’s exemplary Christian faith and their tireless work for global peace and justice.
Carter’s historic 1979 meeting with Pope John Paul II at the White House was also recalled, with both leaders demonstrating mutual respect for each other’s commitment to peace and human rights. This meeting marked the first time a U.S. president hosted a Pope at the White House.
Carter will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda before a state funeral on January 9th, a day declared a national day of mourning by President Biden. The world remembers him not just as a former president, but as a dedicated humanitarian and statesman whose life exemplified service and compassion.
First Piper 