Diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire, Remembers Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the first Pope to resign, died Saturday at the age of 95.
“With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away (Saturday) at 9:34 Central European Standard Time in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican,” the Holy See press office said in a tweet. His funeral is Thursday in St. Peter’s Square.
The Vatican said Benedict's body will be on public display beginning Monday at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Benedict's health took a turn for the worst in recent days. Pope Francis said Wednesday that Benedict "is very sick." The Vatican in a statement said he was "absolutely lucid and alert", and constantly monitored by doctors.
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was elected the 265th Pope in April, 2005. At the age of 78, he was the oldest elected and the first to resign from office when he stepped down in 2013.
"In order to govern the barque of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me," Benedict said at the time.
Benedict lived within the Vatican in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery until his death.
In a statement, Reverend Peter A. Libasci, Bishop of Manchester, said that Benedict's faith is made plain for all to read through his writings, which he described as "highly academic and demonstrate the importance of precise language and well-reasoned thinking, and also many spiritual writings that are easy for anyone to understand and appreciate for their simple human touch."
"His Holiness, our Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, led the flock of the Good Shepherd through dark valleys of conflict and suffering, to the restful waters of Holy Mass, and green pastures of doctrinal truths explained," Libasci said. Completing his life on earth in the quiet simplicity of his later years, our brother has fallen asleep in the Lord. May he rest in the peace of Christ whom he followed in Faith and may many come with him and through his example to the joy of Eternal Life.”
Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH