German President Steinmeier signs pope's book of condolences

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday signed the official book of condolences for the deceased Pope Francis at the Apostolic Nunciature in Berlin.

"I mourn with Catholics in Germany and from all over the world for Pope Francis," wrote Steinmeier, who is Protestant, on the eve of the pope's funeral at the Vatican on Saturday. The Apostolic Nunciature is the diplomatic representation of the Holy See in Germany.

"In Francis, the world has lost a shining beacon of hope, a credible advocate of humanity and a convincing Christian," he added.

"His modesty, his spontaneity and his humour, his palpably deep faith and his plea for mercy have touched people all over the world." 

In addition to Steinmeier, his wife Elke Büdenbender, acting Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, the president of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, and the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Nikola Eterović, also signed the book of condolence.

Mourners in Berlin and beyond could still sign in the afternoon,and the book will also be available on Monday and Tuesday.