Pope Benedict RESIGNING

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-10/ratzinger-benedict-xvi-foundation-prize-fedou-weiler.html

2022 Ratzinger Prize goes to theologian and to professor of law
07 October 2022, 13:12

Michel Fédou, SJ, and Professor Joseph H.H. Weiler are the winners of the Ratzinger Prize 2022, the prestigious award that is given to scholars who stand out for their scientific research in the theological field.
By Linda Bordoni

On 1 December next, Pope Francis will award the Ratzinger Prize 2022 to Professor Michel Fédou, SJ, and to Professor Joseph Halevi Horowitz Weiler during a ceremony in the Apostolic Palace’s  Clementine Hall.

The prestigious award is assigned – according to what is recommended by the Ratzinger Foundation’s Statutes – to “scholars that stood out for their publications and/or scientific research”.

It was launched in 2011 to recognize scholars whose work demonstrated authentic and meaningful contributions to theology, much like Pope Benedict XVI had throughout his life. In the past few years, the prize has also been given to academics, composers, artists, and writers who have made notable contributions to the world of arts related to Christianity.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252495/french-jesuit-and-american-legal-scholar-win-ratzinger-prize
French Jesuit and American legal scholar win 2022 Ratzinger Prize
07 October 2022, 13:12

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252558/what-john-paul-ii-and-benedict-xvi-saw-at-the-second-vatican-council

What two future popes saw at the Second Vatican Council
By Kevin J. Jones
Denver Newsroom, Oct 18, 2022 / 09:00 am

Sixty years ago this month, the Second Vatican Council brought together thousands of bishops, Catholic leaders and even non-Catholic observers to reflect on the role of the Church in the modern world.

Pope Francis’ two immediate predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, were eyewitnesses to this three-year event, which took place from 1962 to 1965. After they were elected to the papacy, their pontificates brought the legacy of the Second Vatican Council into the 21st century and taught generations of Catholics how to bring Christ into their lives — and into the world.

For Benedict XVI, the council brought ‘joy, hope, and encouragement’

“It was a unique experience for me, after all the fervor and enthusiasm of preparation, I could see a living Church,” he said in an October 2012 general audience. Benedict recounted how almost 3,000 council fathers joined Pope John XXIII to bring the Church “to learn at the school of the Holy Spirit, the true driving force of the council.”

“Only rarely in history has it been possible, as it was then, almost ‘to touch,’ to feel tangibly the universality of the Church at a moment of the great fulfillment of her mission to take the Gospel in every epoch to the ends of the earth,” Benedict said.

John Paul II said the council has been “a gift to the Church.” It remains a “fundamental event” not only to understand the Church, but especially to explore “the abiding presence of the risen Christ beside his Bride in the course of world events.”

The council was the Church’s “experience of faith” and abandonment to God, trusting him and certain of being loved, the pontiff said in a Feb. 27, 2000, address to a conference studying how the council was implemented.
 

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252608/benedict-xvi-reflects-on-vatican-ii-in-new-letter

Benedict XVI reflects on Vatican II in new letter
By AC Wimmer, Shannon Mullen
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Oct 21, 2022 / 07:05 am

In a new letter, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI characterizes the Second Vatican Council as “not only meaningful, but necessary.”

Released Thursday, the letter is addressed to Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio, which concludes a two-day conference Friday centered on the theology of Benedict XVI/Joseph Ratzinger.

Nearly three and a half typewritten pages long, the letter provides fresh observations about Vatican II from one of the few remaining theologians in the Catholic Church to have personally participated in the historic council, which opened 60 years ago this month. You can read the full letter at the bottom of this story.

“When I began to study theology in January 1946, no one thought of an Ecumenical Council,” the 95-year-old retired pope recalls in the letter.
 

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252714/from-real-life-papal-artist-unveils-painting-of-benedict-xvi-as-pope-emeritus

From ‘real life’: Papal artist unveils painting of Benedict XVI as pope emeritus
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Nov 3, 2022 / 07:03 am

Natalia Tsarkova’s painting of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in her studio in Rome. Daniel Ibáñez / CNA

Natalia Tsarkova, official portrait artist to the popes for more than 20 years, likes to work from real life.

“I am so meticulous about details. I have to see and touch and feel everything,” she said.

But for her latest painting, a portrait of Benedict XVI in his life as pope emeritus, some objects could not be brought back to her studio in the historic center of Rome.

To make a study of his rosary, Tsarkova had to visit the retired pope at his home, the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in Vatican City, “because Pope Benedict won’t part with his rosary,” she said.

The Russian-born artist, who has lived in Rome full time since 1995, told EWTN News in an interview last week that Benedict’s rosary is “part of him; it’s his favorite rosary.”

In 2006 and 2007, Tsarkova painted two other official Vatican portraits of Pope Benedict XVI. Now, she is portraying him in his “mission” as pope emeritus.

“Because [his] life isn’t over,” the artist said at her home and studio close to Piazza Navona. “Here are books, manuscripts, that his guardian angel is holding and pointing out, ‘Holy Father, look at these books that you’ve written. There is a lot more to publish to give light to your writings,’” she indicated.

Tsarkova unveiled the painting, which took four years to create, during a ceremony on Nov. 3 in Palazzo Cesi, a building close to the Vatican.

The large artwork spans almost 6 by 6.5 feet.
 

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252781/benedict-xvi-tells-ukrainian-archbishop-i-continue-to-pray-for-peace

Benedict XVI tells Ukrainian archbishop: ‘I continue to pray for peace’
By Andrea Gagliarducci
Rome Newsroom, Nov 10, 2022 / 02:53 am

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Arcbbishop Georg Gänswein, Nov. 9, 2022. Rome's Secretariat of the Major Archbishop of the Greek Catholic Church

The leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church met with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery Nov. 9 and asked him to keep praying for Ukraine.

The pope emeritus told Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk that he “keeps praying for Ukraine.”

The last meeting between the two dates back to February 2019. During that meeting, Benedict proved to be incredibly informed of the events in Ukraine and stressed that he always prayed for peace in Ukraine.

In their meeting on Nov. 9, Shevchuk spoke about the war in Ukraine, presented the humanitarian situation to the pope emeritus, reiterated that the war in Ukraine is ideological and colonial, and compared it to the Nazi regime.

He also thanked Benedict XVI for his letter at the beginning of the war.
 

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252930/pope-francis-benedict-xvi-was-leader-in-responding-to-sexual-abuse

Pope Francis: Benedict XVI was ‘leader’ in responding to sexual abuse
By Jonah McKeown
St. Louis, Mo., Nov 28, 2022 / 16:30 pm

In a recent interview Pope Francis said his predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was a leader in “taking responsibility” and responding with transparency to clerical sexual abuse — the latest defense by the Holy Father of his predecessor, who is facing criticism in his native Germany for his handling of several abuse cases as an archbishop decades ago.

In the Nov. 22 interview published Monday by America Magazine, Pope Francis discussed a wide range of topics including the Church’s response to revelations of abuse by clergy. Francis said although “official statistics” show that clergy abuse makes up a very small percentage of all abuse cases in society, f there had been only one case, it would have been monstrous.”

Before the 2002 “Boston crisis,” abusers were simply moved from place to place as part of the institutional cover-up, he said.

“The practice, which is still maintained in some families and institutions today, was to cover it up. The Church made the decision to not cover up [anymore]. From there progress was made in judicial processes, the creation of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors,” the pope said, as reported by America.

“Here, a great [example] is Cardinal [Seán] O’Malley of Boston, who had the mindset to institutionalize [the protection of minors] within the Church. When honest people see how the Church is taking responsibility for this monstrosity, they understand that the Church is one thing while the abusers who are being punished by the Church are another. The leader in taking these decisions was Benedict XVI.”

During his almost eight-year pontificate, which began in 2005, Benedict XVI dismissed hundreds of abusers from the clerical state, regularly met abuse survivors, and addressed the abuse crisis in Ireland in a 2010 pastoral letter. He resigned from the papacy in 2013.

This is not the first time Pope Francis has spoken in defense of his predecessor’s record on responding to sexual abuse. Amid an ongoing reckoning over Benedict XVI’s handling of abuse cases in Munich, where he served as archbishop from 1977 to 1982, Pope Francis called to offer his support to Benedict XVI as the pope emeritus faced criticism.
 

==The transcript of the Nov. 22 interview at the link below:

https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/11/28/pope-francis-interview-america-244225
Exclusive: Pope Francis denounces polarization, talks women’s ordination, the U.S. bishops and more
The Editors
November 28, 2022

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252958/pope-francis-the-theology-of-benedict-xvi-is-fruitful-for-the-future

Pope Francis praises ‘fruitful’ theology of Benedict XVI
By AC Wimmer
CNA Newsroom, Dec 1, 2022 / 05:06 am

Pope Francis on Thursday praised the role of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and his theology for the Church.

Speaking at the 2022 Ratzinger Prize award ceremony at the Vatican, Pope Francis said: “We all feel his spiritual presence and his accompaniment in prayer for the whole Church.”

”But this occasion is important to reaffirm that the contribution of his theological work and, more generally, of his thought continues to be fruitful and effective.”

The Ratzinger Prize was launched in 2011 to recognize scholars whose work demonstrates a meaningful contribution to theology in the spirit of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Bavarian theologian who became Pope Benedict XVI.

This year, the prestigious award was given to Jesuit Father Michel Fédou and Professor Joseph H.H. Weiler.
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/12/01/221201e.html
Audience with the “Joseph Ratzinger – Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation” for the conferral of the Ratzinger Prize 2022, 01.12.2022

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/twitter-pontifex-10th-anniversary.html

Tenth anniversary of @Pontifex's first tweet
12 December 2022, 17:23

It was 12 December 2012, when Pope Benedict XVI sent his first 'tweet' and imparted his first blessing via social media. Today the account is one of the most followed in the world and has 53 million followers.
Vatican News

Using the handle @Pontifex, Pope Benedict XVI tweeted "Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart".

It was 11.30 a.m. on 12 December 2012, ten years ago, that the first papal blessing was imparted via social media. Today the @Pontifex account, opened on 3 December of the same year, is among the most followed Twitter accounts worldwide.
 

[grace-land]

Announcement:  "At the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis asks for “special prayers” for Benedict XVI “who is very ill.”

Video, with English commentary, at the link...with the announcement at the 51:00 time mark...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-general-audience-christmas-francis-de-sales.html
Pope at Audience: 'Lovingly accept everything God sends us'
28 December 2022, 09:18

Pope Francis reflects on the birth of Christ at the weekly General Audience, and encourages us to welcome everything that God sends us, since He loves us and desires what is best for us.
By Devin Watkins

As the Church celebrates the Octave—eight days—of Christmas, Pope Francis focused his catechesis at the Wednesday General Audience on the mystery of Christ’s birth.

He drew inspiration from St. Francis de Sales on the 400th anniversary of the death of the Doctor of the Church.

The Pope also announced that he is publishing an Apostolic Letter on Wednesday dedicated to the French-born Saint and entitled Totum amoris est ("Everything Pertains to Love”).
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022.index.html
Audiences 2022
General Audience of 28 December 2022 - Catechesis. Christmas with Saint Francis de Sales

[grace-land]

Announcement:  "At the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis asks for “special prayers” for Benedict XVI “who is very ill.”

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-benedict-xvi-prayers.html
Pope Francis asks for prayers for Benedict XVI
28 December 2022, 12:15

At the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis asks for “special prayers” for Benedict XVI “who is very ill.” The Holy See Press Office director confirms there has been an aggravation in his health condition but says the situation remains stable.
By Linda Bordoni

Concluding the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis invited the faithful to say a "special prayer" for his 95-year-old predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

“I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is supporting the Church. Remember him - he is very ill - asking the Lord to console him, and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church, until the end.”

Advanced age

Answering questions put to him by journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, confirmed, "In the last few hours there has been an aggravation of his health due to advancing age.”

He added that the situation “at the moment remains under control,” and that the Pope Emeritus is constantly monitored by doctors.

Mr. Bruni also said that after the General Audience in the Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis went to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican where Benedict XVI resides.
 

[grace-land]

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/benedict-xvi-s-health-deteriorates

Benedict XVI’s Health Deteriorates
The Vatican said that after the audience, Francis visited Benedict at his Mater Ecclesiae Monastery residence in the Vatican.
Edward Pentin  December 28, 2022

VATICAN CITY —Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is suffering from aggravated kidney failure and had a recent modification to his pacemaker, an informed Vatican source has told the Register.

The source said Benedict XVI has been experiencing “kidney failure which has worsened in the last few hours.” The source added that the 95-year-old Pope Emeritus had a modification to his “pacemaker about a month and a half ago to regularize his heartbeats” but stressed that it was unrelated to his kidney failure.

The Vatican has yet to confirm his exact condition but confirmed on Wednesday that Benedict had experienced a sudden decline in his health, is currently stable and under medical care.
 

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253169/vatican-shares-prayer-for-benedict-xvi-s-health

Vatican shares prayer for Benedict XVI’s health
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Dec 28, 2022 / 06:30 am

The Vatican’s news service posted a prayer for the health of Benedict XVI on Wednesday, after Pope Francis asked Catholics to pray for the “very ill” pope emeritus.

At the end of his weekly public audience on Dec. 28, Pope Francis said: “I ask to all of you a special prayer for the pope emeritus Benedict, who, in silence, is sustaining the Church.”

“Remember him — he is very ill — asking the Lord to console him and to sustain him in this testimony of love for the Church until the end.”
 
Below is the text of the prayer shared by Vatican News on Facebook:

A prayer for the health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Let us pray.

Almighty and Eternal God,

You are the everlasting health of

those who believe in You.

Hear our prayers for your sick servant Benedict

for whom we implore the aid of Your tender mercy,

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

https://www.facebook.com/vaticannews/photos/a.496953866982889/6157130077631878/

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253170/the-most-frequently-asked-questions-about-pope-benedict-xvi

The most frequently asked questions about Pope Benedict XVI
By CNA Staff
CNA Newsroom, Dec 28, 2022 / 11:00 am

On Dec. 28 the press office of the Holy See announced that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s condition had taken a turn for the worse and that he was receiving medical care at his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.

The news has sparked an outpouring of prayer for the 95-year-old retired pope and renewed interest among Catholics and others around the world in the details of his life and pontificate. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Benedict XVI:

How many years was Benedict pope?

He was pope for eight years, from April 19, 2005, to Feb. 11, 2013.
 

[grace-land]

Update:  Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s condition

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-francis-prayers-benedict-xvi-ill.html
Pope renews invitation to pray for Benedict XVI in these difficult hours
29 December 2022, 14:21

A statement released by the Director of the Holy See Press Office says the Pope Emeritus is in a stable condition.
By Vatican News

Responding to questions put to him by reporters, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said "The Pope Emeritus managed to rest well last night, he is absolutely lucid and alert and today, although his condition remains serious, the situation at the moment is stable.“

Concern for Benedict XVI‘s health was raised on Wednesday when Pope Francis concluded the General Audience with an invitation to the faithful to pray for his 95-year-old predecessor who, he said, is very ill.

Bruni also said Pope Francis "renews his invitation to pray for him [Benedict XVI] and to accompany him in these difficult hours."
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253176/vatican-benedict-xvi-s-condition-serious-but-stable
Vatican: Benedict XVI’s condition serious but stable
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Dec 29, 2022 / 06:35 am

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253178/rome-diocese-to-offer-mass-for-benedict-xvi
Rome Diocese to offer Mass for Benedict XVI
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome, Italy, Dec 29, 2022 / 07:30 am

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-12/pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-prayers-ill-health-francis.html

Outpouring of prayers for health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
29 December 2022, 12:30

People around the globe are praying for Benedict XVI at the invitation of Pope Francis, as the Pope Emeritus’ health remains stable but under observation by his doctors.
By Devin Watkins
 
Silent prayer for a silent witness

Christians, as well as non-Christians, have responded in droves to Pope Francis’ request for prayers for the German-born Pope Emeritus.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, tweeted his spiritual support and urged everyone to ask “for the Lord’s grace to help sustain Pope Benedict as he has sustained the Church through his silent witness.”

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, issued a similar statement and invitation, expressing “great faith in God’s goodness.”

The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, added his voice, praying that God might “sustain and console him at this time.”

Ukrainian closeness

Catholics in Ukraine also joined in the spiritual chorus for the Pope Emeritus, after Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk urged the Synod and all the faithful of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to pray.

“The whole Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church wants to unite in prayer around this great witness of our times, thanking him for his silent witness as Pope Emeritus and at the same time remembering and seeking to put into practice his work for the unity of the Church, which was an extraordinary feature of his pontificate.”

Major Archbishop Shevchuk met recently with Benedict at his residence in the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery on 10 November. He later recounted that the Pope Emeritus was “incredibly lucid, informed and solicitous about the situation in Ukraine, and had assured his prayers for the Ukrainian people.”

Intercession for a man of prayer

The Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Rome, Riccardo Di Segni, also tweeted his prayerful support for Benedict.

"Concerned about the news about the health of Pope Emeritus Benedict, I join in prayers that he may overcome the ordeal and recover soon," he said.

The president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, urged Italians to “gather around the Pope Emeritus” in prayer at this trying time, recalling Benedict’s own description of his mission following his resignation from the papacy.

“His remaining ‘in a new way with the Crucified Lord,’ continuing to ‘accompany the path of the Church with prayer and reflection’ constitutes a strong message for the ecclesial community and the whole society.”
 

[grace-land]

http://magister.blogautore.espresso.repubblica.it/2022/12/28/benedict-xvi-my-life-my-priorities/

di Sandro Magister
28 dic Benedict XVI: My Life, My Priorities

(s.m.) In these hours of concern for the earthly life of pope emeritus Benedict, here are two of his self-penned and autobiographical writings that are decisive for understanding him to the core.

The first is taken from the letter he addressed to the bishops of the Catholic Church on March 10 2009, and says what the “priorities” of his pontificate have been.

The second is taken from the encyclical letter “Spe Salvi” of November 30 2007, written entirely in his own hand, and reveals the hope that has always enlivened him even in the most difficult hours for the Church, he who had found himself called to govern it instead of dedicating himself to a life of study, just as had happened for the theologian and bishop Augustine, the doctor of the Church he most loved.
 

[grace-land]

Update:  Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s condition

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-12/pope-emeritus-rested-well-overnight-health-situation-stable.html
Pope Emeritus rested well overnight, health situation stable
30 December 2022, 15:20

The Director of the Holy See Press Office on Friday says Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's health condition remains stable.
By Vatican News

In a response to questions from journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, on Friday confirmed that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's health condition remains stable at this time. He added that yesterday evening Benedict XVI was able to have a good rest, and earlier in the afternoon he participated in the celebration of Mass in his room.

In related news, at 5:30 pm Rome time on today, Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, remembering in prayer Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and his health. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Vicar of the Diocese of Rome, will preside over the celebration.
 
https://www.ncregister.com/blog/benedict-xvi-s-health-vatican-provides-update
Benedict XVI’s Health: Vatican Provides Update
Edward Pentin  December 29, 2022

Please see below for regular updates on the health of the Pope Emeritus.

Friday Dec. 30:

At 3pm Rome time, the Vatican issued the following statement:

“Responding to reporters’ questions, Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni said the following:

‘Last night the Pope Emeritus was able to rest well. He also participated in the celebration of Holy Mass in his room yesterday afternoon. At present his condition is stable.’”

Italian and German media have reported that in compliance with Benedict XVI's wishes, he is not expected to be taken to hospital as all medical equipment capable of treating him is located in his residence in the Vatican Gardens. He is being treated by his personal physician, Dr. Patrizio Polisca, an expert Italian cardiologist who for a time was the doctor of Pope Francis, and a nurse.
 

[grace-land]

Video, with highlights, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-12/cardinal-de-donatis-presides-over-special-mass-forbenedict-xvi.html
Cardinal De Donatis presides over special Mass for Benedict XVI
30 December 2022, 21:12

In his homily pronounced on Friday evening in St John's Basilica in the Lateran, the Cardinal Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome expresses the prayerful “affection” and “gratitude” of the entire Church of Rome to the Pope Emeritus, whose health conditions remain stable.
By Lisa Zengarini

As cardinals, bishops, bishops’ conferences and faithful around the world continue to offer prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the Cardinal Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, Angelo De Donatis, on Friday presided over a special evening Mass for him in St John's Basilica in the Lateran.

Although critical, the director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni, has confirmed that Benedict XVI’s health conditions remain stable.

Affection and gratitude

Cardinal De Donatis introduced his homily by expressing the prayerful “affection” and “gratitude” of the entire Church of Rome to the Pope Emeritus, who - he noted - loved his Diocese “so much and served (it) with unselfish love.”

Reflecting on today’s Gospel of the Solemnity of the Holy Family, the Archpriest St John's Basilica highlighted the likeness between the “trusting abandonment” to God of Benedict XVI whose baptismal name is Joseph, to that of St. Joseph when fleeing Herod with Mary and Baby Jesus.
 

Full video, with English commentary, at the link...
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253189/faithful-pray-for-benedict-xvi-at-special-mass-in-rome
‘Trust in Providence’: Faithful pray for Benedict XVI at special Mass in Rome
By AC Wimmer
CNA Newsroom, Dec 30, 2022 / 11:30 am
 

[grace-land]

RIP POPE EMERITUS, BENEDICT XVI   

https://twitter.com/EdwardPentin?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Edward Pentin@EdwardPentin · 3h

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni: “With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.  Further information will be provided as soon as possible.”

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253167/breaking-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-dies-at-age-95

BREAKING: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI dies at age 95
By Matthew Bunson, AC Wimmer
CNA Newsroom, Dec 31, 2022 / 02:44 am

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a leading theologian of the 20th century and the first pope to resign from office in nearly 600 years, has died at the age of 95, the Vatican announced.

His death was announced in Rome on Dec. 31. His funeral Mass will be held on Jan. 5, 2023, in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican said.

The Vatican press office director, Matteo Bruni, said Dec. 31: “With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.”

Benedict XVI’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica beginning on Jan. 2, 2023.

Bruni told journalists in a news briefing Dec. 31 that Benedict received the sacrament of anointing of the sick on Dec. 28.

The solemn funeral Mass will be on Jan. 5, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, with Pope Francis presiding. 

“In accordance with the wish of the pope emeritus, the funeral will be carried out under the sign of simplicity,” Bruni said.

You can watch EWTN’s live coverage of Benedict’s death from Rome here.

As of 2 p.m. in Rome, police have emptied St. Peter’s Square for security checks. At 5 p.m. Pope Francis will celebrate First Vespers for the vigil of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, inside the Vatican basilica.