Pope Francis

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-audience-remembers-benedict-xvi-great-master-catechesis.html
Pope at Audience: Benedict XVI was 'great master' of catechesis
04 January 2023, 09:20

At the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis recalls the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as a "great master" of catechesis, who always sought to help others encounter the Lord, and concludes his catechesis series on the theme of discernment.
By Vatican News staff reporter

At the beginning of his catechesis at the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, whose funeral will be held on Thursday.

Thousand of pilgrims gathered in the Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican to hear the Pope and pay their respects to the Pope Emeritus lying in state in Saint Peter's Basilica. On Monday and Tuesday alone, over 135,000 people visited the Basilica.

“I would like us to join with those here beside us who are paying their respects to Benedict XVI, and to turn my thoughts to him, a great master of catechesis. His acute and gentle thought was not self-referential, but ecclesial, because he always wanted to accompany us in the encounter with Jesus. Jesus, Crucified and Risen, the Living One and the Lord, was the destination to which Pope Benedict led us, taking us by the hand. May he help us rediscover in Christ the joy of believing and the hope of living.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2023.index.html
Audiences 2023
General Audience of 4 January 2023 - Catechesis on Discernment. 14. Spiritual Accompaniment

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https://www.ncregister.com/blog/benedict-xvi-s-funeral-updates-from-the-vatican

Benedict XVI’s Funeral: Updates from the Vatican
Latest news on Benedict XVI and his funeral to be celebrated in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday.
Edward Pentin  January 4, 2023

All times: Rome (CET):

January 4, 2023

18.02 — Many Priests Expected

Some 3,700 priests from around the world are expected to attend the funeral tomorrow.

13.21 — Italy: Flags to Be Flown at Half-Mast

“On the occasion of the solemn funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the Prime Minister's Office has arranged for national and European flags on public buildings throughout the country to be flown at half-mast on Jan. 5, 2023.”
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253252/portuguals-president-criticizes-vatican-delegation-restrictions-for-benedict-xvi-funeral
Portugual’s president unhappy with Vatican delegation restrictions for Benedict XVI funeral
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Jan 4, 2023 / 16:15 pm

The president of Portugal has criticized the Vatican’s restriction of official delegations for the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

In comments to journalists this week, Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa indicated that he did not agree with the Vatican’s announcement that only Italy and Germany would have official delegations at the Jan. 5 funeral, though other heads of state may attend in a personal capacity.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253251/benedict-xvis-funeral-how-to-watch-what-to-expect

Benedict XVI’s funeral: How to watch, what to expect
By Joe Bukuras
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jan 4, 2023 / 15:22 pm

The funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be held on Thursday in Rome in St. Peter’s Square at 9:30 a.m. local time.

For those who wish to watch the funeral live in the United States, it will begin at 3:30 a.m. Eastern Time. EWTN’s live coverage begins at 2:30 a.m. Eastern Time on cable television, as well as on EWTN’s YouTube Channel, Facebook, and website.

EWTN’s YouTube channel can be found here. Its Facebook can be found here. EWTN’s webpage where the funeral is livestreaming can be found here.

Your local broadcast times for cable television and a full schedule are available here. The funeral broadcast coverage will last approximately three and a half hours.

If you miss the live coverage, EWTN will rebroadcast the funeral on cable the same day at 2:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Time.

Before the funeral Mass, there will be a rosary prayed in St. Peter’s Square. At 8:50 a.m. Central European Standard Time, Benedict’s coffin, which is currently lying in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, will be transported from the basilica for the funeral.

Pope Francis will preside over the funeral Mass.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters that the funeral Mass for the pope emeritus “roughly follows that reserved for a supreme pontiff” but has some changes
 

---Edited to add the following:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253231/here-are-the-prayers-that-will-be-offered-at-benedict-xvi-s-funeral-mass
Here are the prayers and readings for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s funeral Mass
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Jan 3, 2023 / 09:07 am

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253254/heres-how-to-pray-the-us-bishops-special-novena-for-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi

Here's how to pray the U.S. bishops’ special novena for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
By Peter Pinedo
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jan 4, 2023 / 06:46 am

The U.S. bishops are calling on American Catholics to join them in praying a novena for the soul of the late Pope Benedict XVI, beginning the day of his funeral Jan. 5.

“The entire Church mourns the death of our Emeritus Holy Father, Benedict XVI,” an introductory statement on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website said. “This novena has been prepared to help pray for the Pope Emeritus during this time.”

The 95-year-old Benedict, who served as pope from 2005 through 2013, died Dec. 31. His funeral will be held Thursday, Jan. 5, in St. Peter’s Square at 9:30 a.m. Rome time. For more information about how to watch coverage of the funeral on EWTN and its social media platforms, read CNA’s guide here.

The novena, published on the USCCB website, consists of nine days of prayer and reflection on scripture and ecclesiastical texts about God’s establishment of the papacy and Church. The faithful are encouraged to participate in the novena from Jan. 5 through Jan. 13.
 
https://www.usccb.org/novena-pope-benedict-xvi#tab--day-1-january-5-%E2%80%94-you-are-peter%E2%80%A6
Novena in Memory of Pope Benedict XVI

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Rest in Peace, Pope Benedict    

Videos at the link below:
     Entrance into St. Peter's Square of casket of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
     Full video of Requiem Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI--with English commentary

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-at-funeral-benedict-may-your-joy-now-be-complete.html
Pope Francis at Requiem Mass: 'Benedict, may your joy now be complete!'
05 January 2023, 10:13

Funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

In his homily at the Requiem Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Pope Francis commends his predecessor into the loving hands of God the Father, and prays that his joy may now be complete as he contemplates the Lord face to face.
By Thaddeus Jones

“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Pope Francis recalled those final words spoken by the Lord, as proclaimed in the Gospel reading at the Requiem Mass for the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Thursday morning in St. Peter's Square.

In his homily, the Pope said Jesus' final words summed up the Lord's entire life, "a ceaseless self-entrustment into the hands of His Father."

The Lord's were hands of "forgiveness and compassion, healing and mercy, anointing and blessing," recalled Pope Francis, as he entrusted Himself also into the hands of His brothers and sisters, offering the ultimate sacrifice of life in loving and serving others.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2023/documents/20230105_omelia-esequie-benedetto-xvi.html
PAPAL CHAPEL FOR THE FUNERAL OF POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
Saint Peter's Square
Thursday, 5 January 2023
[Multimedia]

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   "Santo subito!"
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-francis-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-funeral-requiem-mass.html
Requiem for Benedict XVI
05 January 2023, 16:22


Pope Francis on Thursday presides over what is a particularly historic Requiem Mass for his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
By Francesca Merlo

An estimated fifty thousand people filled up St Peter’s Square on Thursday to celebrate the life of Pope Emeritus, Benedict the XVI.

The first in many years

The Pope emeritus’ death, on Saturday, brought an end to almost a decade of two Popes (former and present), living in the Vatican at the same time. Benedict’s resignation in 2013 was the first in over 600 years, and his funeral on Thursday was the first in over 200 years in which a reigning Pontiff blessed the body of his predecessor before burial.

The crowd applauded as pallbearers carried Benedict’s cypress coffin out of the fog-shrouded St. Peter’s Basilica and rested it before the altar in the square outside. Pope Francis then opened the service with a prayer and closed it by solemnly blessing the simple casket — decorated only with the former pope’s coat of arms.
 
"Santo subito!"

At the end of the funeral in St. Peter's Square, some people shouted in Italian "Santo Subito!" (Make him a saint now!), repeating the phrase exclaimed, by many people, at the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.

Francis, who sat for most of the service because of a knee ailment, rose at the end as Benedict's coffin was being carried away for a private burial inside St Peter's Basilica. Bowing his head in silent prayer and briefly touched the casket.

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-01/pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-deed-rogito-coffin.html
Deed of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI placed in casket
05 January 2023, 11:05

The casket of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI  (Vatican Media)

As the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is laid to rest, the Holy See Press Office publishes the text of the Deed placed in his coffin, which recounts his biography for posterity.
By Vatican News

The coffin of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was sealed in a ritual in St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday evening, after around 200,000 pilgrims had finished paying their respects to the German-born Pope.

As per tradition, the Pope Emeritus' pallium, coins and medals minted during his pontificate, as well as a "Rogito" or Deed summarizing the highlights of his papacy, were also placed inside the casket.

Following the Requiem Mass on Thursday, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's coffin was transported through the Basilica and to the Vatican crypt for burial, in the first tomb of John Paul II.

He was buried in the traditional triple coffin, with caskets made of cypress wood, zinc, and oak.

Ahead of the Requiem Mass, the Holy See Press Office published the full text of the Deed, written in Latin and sealed inside a metal cylinder.

The following is an English-language translation of the Deed:

DEED FOR THE PIOUS TRANSIT
OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI, POPE EMERITUS
OBITUS, DEPOSITIO ET TUMULATIO
BENEDICTI PP XVI SANCTAE MEMORIAE

In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 31 December in the year of our Lord 2022, at 9.34 a.m., as the year came to an end and we were ready to sing the Te Deum for the many benefits granted by the Lord, the beloved Pastor emeritus of the Church, Benedict XVI, departed from this world for the Father. The whole Church together with the Holy Father Francis  accompanied his passing transfer with prayers.

Benedict XVI was the 265th Pope. His memory lives on in the heart of the Church and of all humanity.
 

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Photos...

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253257/photos-scenes-from-the-funeral-of-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi
PHOTOS: Scenes from the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
By Daniel Ibañez
Vatican City, Jan 5, 2023 / 08:35 am

Archbishop Georg Gänswein (right), the longtime personal secretary for Benedict XVI, kneels to kiss the book of the Gospels atop the coffin of the pope emeritus on Jan. 5, 2023, in St. Peter's Square | Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Video at the link below--
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253263/photos-solemn-images-of-the-closing-of-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvis-coffin
PHOTOS: Solemn images of the closing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s coffin
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Jan 5, 2023 / 08:14 am

Before the wooden coffin is closed, Benedict XVI’s personal secretary Archbishop Georg Gänswein and Monsignor Diego Giovanni Ravelli, the Vatican’s lead master of ceremonies for papal liturgies, place a white veil over the late pope’s face. The action on Jan. 4, 2023, is part of the funeral rites for popes. | Vatican Media

Video at the link below--
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253261/benedict-xvi-laid-to-rest-in-strictly-private-ceremony
PHOTOS: Benedict XVI laid to rest in private ceremony
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Jan 5, 2023 / 06:14 am

Pope Benedict XVI's coffin is carried in St. Peter's Basilica on Jan. 5, 2023. | Vatican Media

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https://www.ncregister.com/blog/sights-and-sounds-from-benedict-xvi-funeral
Sights and Sounds From Pope Benedict XVI’s Funeral
A gentle fog, calls of “Santo Subito!” and a whole lot of lederhosen.
Jonathan Liedl Blogs January 5, 2023

A Pontifical Swiss Guard attends the funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square on Thursday. (photo: Ernesto Ruscio / Getty Images)

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI, whose entire theological project was singular focused on the person of Christ, once described Jesus as the one “in whom God’s love descends upon human beings.”

The weather at the scholarly Pope’s funeral today provided a poetic illustration of this truth — a gentle fog enshrouded St. Peter’s Basilica as the Church universal commended Benedict to the love and mercy of God.

“The holy cloud, the shekinah, is the sign of the presence of God himself. The cloud hovering over the Tent of Meeting indicated that God was present,” the late Pope had written in Volume One of his Jesus of Nazareth trilogy.
 

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Full video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-francis-epiphany-mass-homily-journey-faith.html
Pope at Epiphany Mass: Life’s journey should lead us to the Lord
06 January 2023, 10:47

Pope Francis presides over Mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, and recalls that our journey in life may entail restless questioning and risk but should ultimately lead us to worship the Lord.
By Devin Watkins

As the Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord on Friday, Pope Francis presided over Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, and reflected on the journey of the Magi.

He focused on three ways in which we can encounter the Lord in our daily lives: restless questioning, the risk of the journey, and the wonder of worship.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2023.index.html
Homilies 2023
Holy Mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (6 January 2023)

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-francis-angelus-epiphany-magi-discernment.html
Pope at Angelus: God surprises us with His presence
06 January 2023, 12:07

Ahead of the Angelus prayer on the feast of the Epiphany, Pope Francis reflects on the gifts God gives the Magi as they persevere in seeking His Son Jesus.
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis prayed the traditional Marian prayer of the Angelus on Friday, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

In his remarks ahead of the Angelus, the Pope noted that the three Magi who sought the Child Jesus not only brought Him their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but also received three precious gifts from Him.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-francis-ukraine-eastern-churches-christmas.html
Pope prays for Ukraine as Eastern Churches celebrate Christmas
06 January 2023, 12:31

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2023.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2023
Angelus, 6 January 2023, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-francis-reorganises-the-vicariate-of-rome.html

Pope Francis reorganises Vicariate of Rome to be more collegial
06 January 2023, 14:26

Pope Francis publishes the new Apostolic Constitution 'In Ecclesiarum Communione', which reorganizes the Vicariate of Rome by strengthening the role of the Episcopal Council and making the Pope, as Bishop of Rome, more present in the Vicariate's decisions.
By Salvatore Cernuzio

The new Apostolic Constitution features greater collegiality and a increased presence of the Pope, as Bishop of Rome, in every important pastoral, administrative and economic decision of regarding the Diocese of Rome. The text calls for the creation of new offices to supervise finances and misconduct, while the term of office for personnel in managerial positions is set at five years, extendable for only one other five-year period. These are all new features introduced by "In Ecclesiarum Communione," the new apostolic constitution published today that abrogates the previous "Ecclesia in Urbe" of 1988 by John Paul II and reorganises the Vicariate's functions.

The Constitution comes into effect on 31 January 2023 and begins with a extensive introduction by Pope Francis who offers a profound reflection on his diocese, Rome. He recalls its importance from an ecclesial point of view, but also the challenges of the people who live there and the activities that can assist the most fragile social groups. The second part then lists 45 articles, reflecting much of the previous Constitution, while introducing several new items. Starting with the role of the Cardinal Vicar, defined 'auxiliary' for the first time, and the more prominent role of the Episcopal Council.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253281/pope-francis-names-new-auxiliary-bishop-for-st-paul-minneapolis-archdiocese

Pope Francis names new auxiliary bishop for St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese
By Kevin J. Jones
Denver, Colo., Jan 6, 2023 / 16:45 pm

Father Michael John Izen has served the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis as a priest for almost 18 years, and Pope Francis has decided he will be the archdiocese’s next auxiliary bishop.

“I was surprised, humbled, and a little terrified when I received the call from the apostolic nuncio informing me that Pope Francis had appointed me as an auxiliary bishop,” the bishop-designate said Thursday.

Izen, 55, said that Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis has been “very supportive and reassuring” and “very fatherly” since he was informed of the decision.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-to-sermig-never-tire-to-build-peace-with-young-people.html

Pope tells Young Missionary Service to never tire of fostering peace
07 January 2023, 12:51

Speaking to 300 members the Italian Youth Missionary Service (SERMIG) Pope Francis praises the organization's tireless work with young people to build fraternity and peace inspired by the Gospel, reminding them that peace always comes from God.
By Lisa Zengarini

“War can be done without God, but peace can be done only with Him”. Pope Francis stressed this point as he addressed members of the Italian Youth Missionary Service  - “Servizio Missionario Giovani” (SERMIG) - on Saturday morning. SERMIG is a Catholic organization that gathers young people, married couples, families, and religious men and women committed to spreading the Gospel of hope through volunteering in peace and in solidarity projects for the poor.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/january.index.html
Speeches 2023 January
To Members of the Young Missionary Service (Servizio Missionario Giovani, SERMIG) (7 January 2023)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-francis-meets-cardinal-zen.html

Pope Francis meets Cardinal Zen
07 January 2023, 16:44

Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-Kiun, visiting the Vatican to attend the funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Thursday, meets Pope Francis.
Vatican News

Pope Francis has met Cardinal Joseph Zen, Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong, visiting Rome for the occasion of  the funeral of Benedict XVI. The meeting took place on Friday in Casa Santa Marta, the Pope's residence in the Vatican

The ninety-year-old Chinese prelate was created a cardinal by the Pope Emeritus in 2006.

The news was reported by American Jesuit magazine “America”, with the statements of the Bishop emeritus of Hong Kong,
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/benedict-xvi-tomb-vatican-grottoes-reopen-sunday-8-january.html
Benedict XVI tomb open to public from Sunday
07 January 2023, 18:04

Work on the Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s final resting place in the crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica is completed and the site will be open to visitors from Sunday, 8 January.
By Linda Bordoni

Starting in the morning of Sunday, 8 January, the tomb of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI can be visited in the Vatican Grottoes, beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

A communiqué from the Holy See Press Office said the public will be able to enter the area from 9 am CET.

The triple coffin made of cypress, zinc and oak, with the body of the Pope emeritus, was buried in the former tomb of Pope St. John Paul II, on 5 January following the celebration of a Requiem Mass presided over by Pope Francis.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253285/how-to-visit-the-tomb-of-benedict-xvi
How to visit the tomb of Benedict XVI
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Jan 7, 2023 / 11:00 am

http://stpetersbasilica.info/grottoes.htm
Vatican Grottoes below St. Peter's

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Full video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-francis-baptisms-sistine-chapel-feast-baptism-lord.html
Pope Francis baptises 13 babies in the Sistine Chapel
08 January 2023, 10:13

On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Francis baptizes 13 babies in the splendour of the Sistine Chapel and thanks their parents for bringing them into the Church.
By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis baptised 13 babies in the magnificent setting provided by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel on the day the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

The Pope told the parents of the girls and boys whom he ushered into the Catholic Church through baptism that they have the responsibility of making sure their children keep to the path they were put on today.

“Thank you for bringing your children here, for letting them enter the Church”, he said, and repeating the exhortation he has made many times in the past, the Holy Father invited parents and godparents to talk to their children about their baptism, to celebrate its anniversary, and thank God for this grace of becoming Christians.

“Teach your children the date of their baptism, it’s like a birthday, because with Baptism we are reborn into Christian life.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2023.index.html
Homilies 2023
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (8 January 2023)

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-at-angelus-god-s-justice-is-the-mercy-that-saves.html
Pope at Angelus: God's justice is the mercy that saves
08 January 2023, 12:20

At the Sunday Angelus on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord celebrated today, Pope Francis explains how Jesus came to fulfill divine justice by saving sinners, showing us that the true justice of God is the "mercy that saves." As Jesus' disciples, we too are called to share each other's burdnes and be compassionate.
By Thaddeus Jones

Following the Mass with baptisms in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Francis led the midday Angelus in Saint Peter's Square. In his address before leading the Marian prayer, he described how Jesus in having himself baptized by John reveals God's justice, as Jesus says to him: “Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.”
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-01/pope-prays-for-ukrainian-and-russian-mothers.html
Pope prays for Ukrainian and Russian mothers who lost children in war
08 January 2023, 12:46

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2023.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2023
Angelus, 8 January 2023, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

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RIP Pope Benedict

Photos at the link...

https://twitter.com/vaticannews?lang=en
Vatican News@VaticanNews · 10h

The faithful arrive to visit the tomb of Pope Benedict XVI, opened since 9 am CET Sunday morning.

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253293/pope-francis-meets-with-benedict-xvis-longtime-secretary-archbishop-ganswein

Pope Francis meets with Benedict XVI’s longtime secretary, Archbishop Gänswein
By Jonathan Liedl
Vatican City, Jan 9, 2023 / 09:24 am

Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the longtime personal secretary of the late Pope Benedict XVI, met with Pope Francis this morning, according to the Vatican’s daily press briefing.

The German prelate’s meeting with the Holy Father comes only four days after Benedict XVI was laid to rest in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, Jan. 5.

It also took place shortly before the public release of Gänswein’s forthcoming book detailing his nearly 20 years of service to Benedict XVI. According to a preview of the text published by Reuters, the book includes details about the German pope’s alleged disagreements with his Argentinian successor over matters such as Pope Francis’ restriction of the traditional Latin Mass and his statements regarding moral matters such as abortion and homosexuality.

Titled “Nothing But The Truth — My Life Beside Benedict XVI,” Gänswein’s 330-page book will be released in Italian on Jan. 12. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni has provided no comment on the book, which was written with Italian journalist Saverio Gaeta.