I sorrowfully announce the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who passed away into eternal glory today, age 95, at 9:34am in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.

Born Joseph Ratzinger in 1927, he was elected Pope on April 19, 2005.

A loving pastor, a gentle man in every sense, a brilliant theologian, and a man of God.

During his pontificate, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI made 24 Apostolic Journeys abroad; created 84 cardinals; proclaimed 45 saints and 855 blesseds (among them Pope John Paul II). His desire to bring “God back to the centre” was evident in all of his actions.

‘Jesus, ich liebe dich!’ ‘Jesus, I love you’ – Pope Benedict’s last words before he died.

He will be remembered as one of the great theologians of the 20th century and as a ‘True Doctor of the Church for Today’.

He received Last Rites and his funeral will be held on Thursday, January 5 at 9:30 am in St. Peter’s Square with Pope Francis presiding. It will be solemn but, per Benedict’s wish, simple and sober, and he will be buried in the crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica.

Until then, he will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica from Monday for the faithful to pay their last respects to the former Pontiff.

I find it quite beautiful that St Pope John Paul II left us on the Saturday after Easter, and now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI leaves us on the Saturday after Christmas….on our Lady’s day.

Please join me in praying for the repose of his soul and in giving thanks for the beautiful witness of his life.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Grant, we beseech Thee God, that he, who was Vicar of thine Only-begotten Son on earth, may receive a place among Thy holy Pontiffs who have entered into everlasting blessedness.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and in glory.