Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI enters eternal rest

  • Posted on: 31 December 2022

It is with great sorrow that the Eparchy learns that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at 9:34 AM (CET) in his residence at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. His Holiness was 95 years of age and was declining in health.

As the defender of the Faith, Pope Benedict XVI fought tirelessly against the forces of secularism. As the Supreme Pontiff, he restored the splendor of truth with his defense of orthodoxy and the traditional liturgy. He was a stern defender of conservative Catholic identity and values.

Beginning Monday, the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be lying in state in St. Peter's Basilica and the Holy Father Pope Francis will preside over the funeral of the Pope Emeritus on 5 January at 9:30 AM CET in St. Peter's Square.

St. Mary Queen of Peace Eparchy in the USA and Canada offers her heartfelt prayers and condolences at this somber time.