Farewell to Benedict XVI: a kind and humble servant of God

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, issued the following statement on learning of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Dec. 31, 2022:

I join the rest of the faithful in mourning the passing of our beloved pope emeritus, Benedict XVI.  In my mind, his most important contribution to the theology of the Church was showing the continuity — not rupture -- between the Second Vatican Council and the Tradition of the Church.

He was one of the kindest and most humble men to ever walk in the Shoes of the Fisherman. We will be reading and studying his teachings for decades to come.

In the words of the Roman Missal, may Pope Benedict happily enjoy in heaven ’the mysteries of God’s grace and compassion which he faithfully ministered on earth.’

The Holy See has announced his funeral will be Thursday, January 5, in Rome. There will be a rosary at the conclusion of the 12:10 pm Mass at the Cathedral on that day. The 11:00 am Mass on Sunday, January 8, will be offered for the repose of the soul of the Pope Emeritus.