A message from: Bishop of Diocese of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha
To All the Priests, Religious and Lay Faithful
We are deeply saddened by the demise of Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, today at 9:34 a. m. (02:04 p.m., IST) in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican at the age of 95. Pope Benedict XVI was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from April 19, 2005, until his resignation on Feb 28, 2013. He had chosen to support the Church by the prayers, by residing in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery after resigning from office. He led an austere and silent life, by constantly interceding for the Church.
For several days, the Pope Emeritus’ health had deteriorated due to old age, and Pope Francis publicly shared the news about his predecessor’s deteriorating health at the end of the last General Audience on December 28, 2022, inviting us to pray for him and support him “in this witness of love for the Church until the end.”
Pope Benedict XVI was a renowned theologian and a man of great learning. His Encyclicals like Deus Caritas Est (God is Love) and Spe Salvi (Saved by Hope) are well appreciated, He greatly promoted the protection of the Environment. A giant of great faith and reason, and a man in love with the Lord, he strove to direct people to Christ. We are sad that we have lost a great personality. We pray that the Lord may grant this humble servant his eternal reward.
As a mark of expressing our sorrow, bells are to be tolled twice today, thrice tomorrow and on the day of the funeral, thrice. Pope Francis will preside over the funeral of the Pope Emeritus on Jan 5, at 9.30 a.m. (2.00 p.m. IST) in St. Peter’s Square. Today and tomorrow, in the Prayers of the Faithful and during Adoration, special intercessions towards. the repose of his soul are to be included.
The Roman Missal has prayers for the Requiem Mass for the Pope (in Konkani language Missal, pp. 276*-278*). Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon and may he rest in peace,
Read more:
Bishop of Mangalore felicitates Francisco Sardinha Ex-CM of Goa
New PR Office blessed and inaugurated by Bishop of Mangalore
Muller Hosp Thumbay hands over NABH Certificate to Bishop of Mangalore