PATRIARCH PAVLE DIES

Serbian Orthodox Patriarch dies

The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Pavle, has died in
Belgrade, the Church has announced.

The 95-year-old patriarch, who became leader of the Church in 1990, was
admitted to the city's military hospital two years ago.

He died on Sunday morning. Though he reportedly suffered from heart and lung
conditions, the Church did not specify the cause of death.

Most of Serbia's population of seven million people are Orthodox Christians.

Pavle was a respected theologian and linguist, known for personal humility
and modesty.

After the fall of communism and rise of Serb nationalism, the Church
regained a leading role during his rule.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8361205.stm