Pope Emeritus Benedict - Joseph Ratzinger 1927 - 2022
May he Rest in Peace
Taken from the letter from Bishop Philip Eagan
‘Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with deep sorrow and grief that I learned of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The Catholic Church has lost an inspirational shepherd, the world has lost a champion of human thought, and a good and faithful servant of God. The Pope’s passing is a great loss, for the Catholic community and for humanity as a whole. During his long and intense life of service, both as a spiritual leader and statesman, Benedict demonstrated a unique and inspiring moral authority to the world.’
Diocesan Prayer Card
We bid farewell to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, commending his soul with much gratitude to the mercy of the Lord.
O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant Pope Benedict, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Please see the Pastoral Letter to be read out in Churches on the weekend of Sunday 8th January