Vatican cardinal pays tribute to late 'Hallelujah' singer Leonard Cohen

'Cohen was profoundly Jewish & therefore biblical but one of the voices of the age - very old & always new.'

Singer songwriter Leonard Cohen passed away on Thursday, November 10.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The largely influential singer reportedly passed away peacefully at 82-years-old.

On his Facebook page, Sony Music Canada released the brief statement: "It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away.

"We have lost one of music's most revered and prolific visionaries. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief."

Several celebrities commented on the loss of the talented artist, including Elton John, who wrote: "Leonard Cohen was unique - a giant of a man and a brilliant songwriter. Irreplaceable. Loved him and his wonderful music. #LeonardCohen#RIP"

Antonio Banderas wrote, "A great poet leaves us but he will stay in our hearts forever."

Anglican priest Fr. Rod Bower posted an image of the Gosford Anglican Church bulletin board reading, "It's a broken Hallelujah" and wrote, "In a world desperately in need of poets we mourn #LeonardCohen."

Cohen was Jewish but lived as a Zen Buddhist monk and dabbled in Scientology.

He displayed interest in Catholicism, which he once said was because an Irish nanny raised him "part Catholic.

When officials at the Vatican heard the tragic news, they couldn't keep from commenting as well.

Cardinal Gianfranco Favasi took to Twitter to say: "I'll stand before the Lord of Song With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah (#LeonardCohen).

Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane also mentioned Cohen on his personal Twitter account: "Cohen was profoundly Jewish & therefore biblical but one of the voices of the age - very old & always new. Work that out; he sure did."

Fans gathered outside Cohen's Montreal home last night to light candles and leave flowers. He may be gone but his music will live on forever.

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