Patriarch Daniel: Ion Iliescu held a respectful attitude toward the Romanian Orthodox Church

Former President Ion Iliescu showed respect for the Romanian Orthodox Church (BOR), even before becoming president of Romania, because he recognized the Church's importance in the history and life of the Romanian people, Patriarch Daniel conveyed in his condolence message following the passing of the former head of state.

"The Romanian Patriarchate expresses its condolences to the family of Mr. Ion Iliescu, the former president of Romania between 1992-1996 and 2000-2004, highlighting the fact that Mr. Ion Iliescu always held a respectful attitude toward the Romanian Orthodox Church, even before becoming president of Romania, as he acknowledged the importance of the Romanian Orthodox Church in the history and life of the Romanian people," according to Patriarch Daniel's message.

According to him, after the 1989 Revolution, Ion Iliescu believed it necessary to affirm the freedom of religious denominations in Romania and allowed the reintroduction of religion in public schools and the presence of social ministry priests in various state institutions, in line with the Romanian tradition prior to the communist era.

"Moreover, especially in his second term in office, Mr. Ion Iliescu voiced the necessity to direct Romania toward the Western democratic values, a decisive step in the transition from communism to capitalism. With due respect for the memory of a former president of Romania, we pray to God to rest his soul in peace and comfort the grieving family. Memory eternal to him!," Patriarch Daniel also conveyed.

Former President Ion Iliescu died on Tuesday at the age of 95. He had been hospitalized since early June at the "Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu" Emergency Clinical Hospital.