Zurich. “It is my personal wish to express my sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of your 80th birthday.” It was with these words that Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber, international leader of the New Apostolic Church, congratulated the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI on his birthday.

At the start of the week Chief Apostle Leber sent a birthday letter to the Vatican. In his capacity as spiritual leader of all New Apostolic Christians he expressed his congratulations, said the text of the letter. In it the Chief Apostle praised the Pope’s great commitment to peace in the world and mutual understanding between the nations. In his letter, the Chief Apostle also spoke highly of the Pope’s endeavours to strengthen the Christian faith, which is being increasingly weakened by societal developments.

The letter of congratulations ends with good wishes: “I wish you much strength in the new year of your life so that you may continue in your great task.”

Pope Benedict XVI turned 80 on 16 April.