The Romanian Patriarchate, message after Ion Iliescu's death: “He always had an attitude of respect towards the Romanian Orthodox Church”
The Romanian Patriarchate, photo: Inquam Photos / George Călin
On Tuesday evening, the Romanian Patriarchate sent a message of condolences to the death of Ion Iliescu, former president of Romania, stressing “his relationship of respect with the Church” and the contributions from after 1989.
“The Romanian Patriarchate expresses condolences to the family of Mr. Ion Iliescu, former president of Romania between 1992-1996 and 2000-2004, highlighting that Mr. Ion Iliescu had an attitude of respect for the Romanian Orthodox Church, even before being president of Romania, because he recognized the Romanian Church.
After the 1989 Revolution, his reign considered it necessary to assert the freedom of religious cults in Romania and allowed the re-introduction of religion in state schools, as well as the presence of charity in different state institutions, according to the Romanian tradition prior to the communist period ”, transmits the Patriarchate, in an official statement.
“Also, especially in the second term, Mr. Ion Iliescu expressed the need to orient Romania to the Western democratic values, a decisive fact in the transition from communism to capitalism.
With the respect due to the memory of a president of Romania, we pray to God to rest his soul in peace and to console the bereaved family ”, the message of condolences ends.
When and where Ion Iliescu will be buried
Ion Iliescu died at the age of 95. The former president was admitted to SRI Agrippa Ionescu Hospital for two months.
On Wednesday and Thursday, 6 and August 7, 2025, the state funerals will be organized in his honor, the government announced after Tuesday night's meeting. According to the established program, the burial ceremony of the former president will only take place in the presence of family and close persons.
On Thursday, August 7, it was declared a national mourning day in memory of former President Ion Iliescu, who died on Tuesday, at the age of 95, announced the government on Tuesday night.
“Ion Iliescu held the position of president of Romania in the 1990–1992 mandates, 1992–1996 and 2000–2004, being a prominent personality in the post -December political life. The basis of democratic institutions and political and economic reforms have been initiated ”, says the Executive.
