In his first public remarks since the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Pope Francis lauded the “kindness” of the retiring pontiff. Francis hailed Benedict on Saturday for “his testimony of faith and prayer, especially in his retirement years.”
Francis stated during a New Year’s Eve vigil that only God knew of his sacrifices for the church’s benefit.
On Thursday, Pontiff Francis will celebrate Benedict’s funeral Mass, marking the first time in modern history that an active pope will eulogize a retiring one.
Benedict, whose 2013 resignation from the head of the Roman Catholic Church shook the world, died at the age of 95. Saturday, the Vatican announced his passing.
As of Monday, his body will be on display in St. Peter’s Basilica for the devout to pay their final respects, according to the Vatican. Matteo Bruni, a spokesman for the Vatican, told reporters that Benedict wished for his funeral to be somber but “simple.”
The Vatican has invited only official delegations from Germany and Italy to attend Benedict’s burial. This demonstrates that he was no longer the pope and requested a simple funeral.
Nothing defined his sermon more clearly than its conclusion and his regal farewell fly over Rome. He was the first pope to voluntarily resign in more than 700 years.
Benedict stated that his mental and physical strength had diminished to the point where he was unable to carry out the ministry entrusted to him.
Pope Benedict XVI, who is naturally reserved, has always stated that he has no desire to lead the world’s 1,2 billion Catholics. In 2005, he was selected to succeed Pope John Paul II. At age 78, he became the oldest pope in almost 30 years.
On Saturday, political and religious leaders from all across the world paid their respects.
President Joe Biden stated, “He will be remembered as a distinguished theologian who devoted his life to the Church, inspired by his convictions and faith.”
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel hailed him as “one of the most controversial and influential religious intellectuals of our time.”
King Charles III of the United Kingdom said he took the news of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s death with “great grief,” recalling with fondness their 2009 encounter at the Vatican.
“I also recall his tireless efforts to promote peace and goodwill to all people and to improve the bond between the global Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church,” Charles wrote in a Saturday statement to Pope Francis.
»Pope Francis appreciates the “kindness” of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI«