“We think of him with gratitude and admiration”
On the first anniversary of the death of Benedict XVI. Pope Francis paid tribute to his predecessor. At the midday prayer in St. Peter's Square, the church leader asked for applause for the former German pope (2005-2013). Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger. died on December 31, 2022 at age 95. Francis said of his predecessor that he led the Church with love and wisdom.
“We think of him with gratitude and admiration. May he bless us from heaven and accompany us”, added the pope. During Sunday's Angelus prayer, the Pope also remembered the people who suffer from wars. “At the end of a year, we must have the courage to ask ourselves: how many lives have been destroyed by the conflicts we love? How many dead? And how much destruction, how much suffering? How much poverty?” said the Pope at the Angelus.
Francis prayed for the victims of the Christmas attacks in Nigeria. “Unfortunately, Christmas in Nigeria was marked by serious violence, with many victims. I pray for them and their families. May God free Nigeria from these horrors,” the pope said. Francisco emphasized the importance of the family, the “cell” of society. “She must always be defended and supported, always. “I wish you a peaceful end of the year,” said Francisco. (APA)