Secretary-General's press encounter with CNN (use of this transcript must be attributed to CNN)

I think the world has lost a great spiritual leader, a man of peace, and a man who was devoted to the poor, the weak and the voiceless. I recall my own conversations with him on these issues, and how passionate he was about them. I think it is not only the people of the Catholic faith who have lost a great leader; we all have.

Q: Do you have any particular anecdote you want to share, I know you met with him?

SG: I met with him many times. I did meet him in his private quarters to discuss the question of war and peace. He felt passionately about peace, and always was extremely anxious about prospects of war. It was wonderful to speak to him, being Secretary-General of the UN, sitting across the table from someone who shared passionately the beliefs of this Organization and our efforts to try and instill peace around the world.