Patriarch Daniel mourns former President Ion Iliescu, advocate of Romania’s democratic Western alignment
Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church expressed condolences Tuesday following the death of former President Ion Iliescu, remembering him as a leader who not only respected the Church but also played a key role in guiding Romania toward democratic reforms and closer alignment with Western values after the fall of communism.
“Mr. Ion Iliescu always showed respect towards the Romanian Orthodox Church, even before becoming President of Romania, as he acknowledged the Church’s importance in the history and life of the Romanian people,” the Patriarch of Romania noted.
Mr. Ion Iliescu passed away on the afternoon of August 5, 2025.
Full message:
A President Who Redirected Romania’s Political Orientation
In Memoriam – Ion Iliescu (1930–2025)
The Romanian Patriarchate expresses its condolences to the family of Mr. Ion Iliescu, former President of Romania from 1992 to 1996 and from 2000 to 2004, underlining that Mr. Iliescu consistently demonstrated respect for the Romanian Orthodox Church, even before his presidency, by recognizing its historical and societal significance.
Following the 1989 Revolution, he supported the affirmation of religious freedom in Romania and allowed for the reintroduction of Religion classes in public schools, as well as the presence of chaplain priests in various state institutions, in keeping with Romania’s pre-communist tradition.
Moreover, especially during his second term, Mr. Ion Iliescu advocated for Romania’s alignment with Western democratic values — a decisive step in the country’s transition from communism to capitalism.
With due respect for the memory of a Romanian President, we pray that God will grant him rest and comfort his grieving family.
May his memory be eternal from generation to generation!
† DANIEL
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Photo: Basilica.ro
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