Benedict XVIthe first Pope Emeritus after his historic resignation from the pontificate in February 2013, completed his earthly journey this morning.
“It is with pain that I have to inform you that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. died today at 9.34 a.m. at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican,” also reported the director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni, announcing that since the morning of Monday, January 2ndthe body of Joseph Ratzinger will be at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican to greet the faithful. And while the news immediately went around the world, messages and condolences poured in from every continent. In the Vatican’s press room, which was immediately filled with reporters, photographers and TV crews from all over the world, Bruni gave a brief briefing at noon in which he explained this The funeral of Benedict XVI. will be celebrated on Thursday 5 January at 9.30amin St. Peter’s Square and is led by Pope Francis.
Pope Francis: thankful to have him among us. “Speaking of kindness, at this moment our thoughts spontaneously go to our dearest Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who left us this morning. It is with emotion that we remember his person, so noble, so kind. And we feel so much gratitude in our Hearts: gratitude to God for giving it to the Church and the world, gratitude to him for all the good he has done and above all for his witness of faith and prayer, especially in these last years of his retired life, only God it knows the value and strength of his intercession, of his sacrifices offered for the good of the Church”. So Pope Francis in the Te Deum.
“Stand firm in the faith! Don’t get confused! … Jesus Christ is really the way, the truth and the life – and the Church, with all its shortcomings, is really his body.” This is one of the spiritual testaments that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI made. entrusted to the faithful in his will, which is published in the book Nothing but the Truth, which Archbishop Georg Gänswein, his private secretary, wrote together with Saverio Gaeta for the Piemme editions and is due to be published in early January. ANSA learns this in the preview.
Ratzinger, the first pope emeritus, has died
The revolutionary choice of resignation
ANSA agency
It was a public holiday for the Vatican, February 11, 2013. It is recalled that every year, apart from the Madonna of Lourdes, the anniversary of the Lateran Pact, the consultation hours are also shortened. (HAND)
“As the Pope Emeritus wishes, his funeral will take place in a spirit of simplicity. It will be solemn but sober,” the Vatican spokesman said. “The express request of the Pope Emeritus is that everything be done in the name of simplicity, as far as the funerals, the rites and the gestures of this time of pain are concerned,” he added. This ends the days of great concern over the pope’s deteriorating condition, which began last Wednesday when Pope Francis, at the end of the general audience in the Sala Nervi, called on the faithful to say a “special prayer” for his predecessor. who was “very ill”, “ask the Lord to comfort him, to support him in this profession of love for the Church to the end”.
Ratzinger’s Lectio magistralis in the Senate in 2004
On the same afternoon last Wednesday, again in the Mater Ecclesia monastery and in the presence of the “memores domini” who look after the house, Ratzinger received the anointing of the sick, Matteo Bruni reported today. Yesterday afternoon, in prayer for the Pope Emeritus, the Diocese of Rome held a Mass in the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, presided over by Cardinal Vicar Angelo De Donatis. And also today, after the news of his death was transmitted, moments of prayer and sympathy began in the parishes and dioceses.
Meanwhile, in the Vatican, preparations begin for the rites of the next few days, which, despite Benedict XVI. called for “simplicity” will include public moments in the basilica and in the square, as well as the arrival of foreign delegations for the funeral. “The Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. is a sadness for Italy – says the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella –. His gentleness and wisdom have benefited our fellowship and the international community at large. With dedication he continued to serve the cause of his church in the unprecedented figure of Pope Emeritus with humility and serenity. His figure remains unforgettable for the Italian people. As an intellectual and theologian, he interpreted with finesse the reasons for dialogue, peace and human dignity as the highest interests of religions. With gratitude we look to his testimony and example”.
“The Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. is a sadness for Italy. His gentleness and wisdom have benefited our fellowship and the international community at large. Devoted, he continued to serve the cause of his Church in the unprecedented role of Pope Emeritus with humility and serenity… His figure will be remembered by the Italian people. As an intellectual and theologian, he sensitively interpreted the reasons for dialogue, peace and human dignity as the highest interests of religions. With gratitude we look to his testimony and example”. The President of the Republic says, Sergio Mattarella. The world’s homage to the Pope Emeritus.
ANSA agency
Two Popes in Vatican, unprecedented situation in history (ANSA)