Pope Francis has recalled President Carter’s “firm commitment, motivated by deep Christian faith, to the cause of reconciliation and peace between peoples, the defense of human rights and the welfare of the poor and those in need.” Jimmy Carter, who was the 39th president of the United States has died at 100. While he was a historically unpopular one-term president, many remember the man for his deep faith and Christian values.
The Vatican also added “The Holy Father commends him to the infinite mercies of almighty God and prays for the consolation of all who mourn his loss.” Carter was first U.S. president to welcome a pope to the White House when he met with St. John Paul II in the Oval Office for over an hour in 1979. It took until 1984 to establish full diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See.
A telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, on behalf of Pope Francis said the Pontiff was “was saddened to learn of the death of former President Jimmy Carter and offers heartfelt condolences.” Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, said in a statement that Carter’s “lifelong work on behalf of peace among nations will continue to serve as an inspiration for a world in need of peacemakers.”
One pastor, 86-year-old Dr. Bob Maddox, met Carter years ago and had a long friendship with the man. He expressed his fond memories of the man in an interview with local news. Dr. Maddox who is a pastor, author, and theologian met the Carter’s decades ago. The church he led was close to Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia.
“I have enormous respect for him and Rosalynn both and count it a great privilege to have known President Jimmy Carter. It’s just one of the great moments of my life,” said the Pastor. He stressed that the Carters understood Jesus in that they believed resolutely in helping those in need. Maddox was worried about the tense retaliation Carter had with evangelical leaders.
Maddox admits Carter had his faults, he said he could be curt and ornery and loathed the schmoozing needed to build consensus on Capitol Hill. The pastor stressed that the First Lady was far more adept at politics. However, he said that the former president’s humanitarian work after leaving the White House remains unmatched by any other president.
He said “Jimmy and Rosalynn got Jesus and it was just as natural as breathing to them. It was not some kind of big crusade. But they did use their platform to make a huge difference in the world in just a lot of ways.” He explained that he was so inspired by Carter’s push for peace in the Middle East, that he put pen to paper to defend him
Maddox insisted he was “No doubt, the greatest post-president that we’ve had,” Dr. Maddox said in the time since, he’s grown even closer to the Carters, gathering at least once a year. The pastor said we may not have known at the time that faith was deeply embedded in every decision our nation’s 39th president made.“ He incorporated the best of who we are, and we’ll miss that,” he concluded.