“A extremely regarded theologian and scholar, Pope Benedict XVI introduced Catholics to a deeper understanding of our religion via his intensive writings and give attention to maintaining Christ on the middle of our Christian life. His research of theology and philosophy and deep mind enabled him o communicate with a pastor’s coronary heart whereas drawing from quite a lot of sources that appealed to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

“His life and ministry shall be without end intertwined with many vital moments within the Church’s historical past— from his notable contribution on the Second Vatican Council, to his work as President of the Preparatory Fee for the Catechism of the Catholic Church, to his resolution to resign from the papacy.

“By Pope Benedict XVI’s prayer and witness, the Church has been granted nice treasures.

“Might Pope Benedict XVI now relaxation in everlasting peace. Please be a part of me in praying for the repose of his soul and the souls of all of the trustworthy departed.”

Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, Diocese of Grand Rapids

“It’s with nice confidence in Christ’s guarantees, but with disappointment of coronary heart, that now we have obtained the information that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has been referred to as from this world to the everlasting life with our Heavenly Father. On the similar time, we provide our prayers for the repose of the soul of Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, who has ‘completed the race’ right here on earth, that he could take pleasure in eventually the everlasting relaxation and never-ending pleasure of the saints in Heaven.

“Pope Benedict’s contribution to the Church has been immeasurable: from his early days as a priest, when he was an skilled for the Second Vatican Council, to his position as President of the Fee to draft the Catechism of the Catholic Church, to his tenure as Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Religion, to his election on April 19, 2005, because the 256th Roman Pontiff and Shepherd of the multiple billion Catholics worldwide. He led the Church with braveness and mild dignity via his writings and educating, together with his encyclicals ‘Deus est Caritas’ [‘God is Love,’ 2005], ‘Spe Salvi’ [‘Saved by Hope,’ 2007] and ‘Caritas in Veritate’ [‘Love in Truth,’ 2009], he gave the Church better perception and readability into our religion. Throughout his papacy, Pope Benedict’s steerage, educating and pastoral governance moved the Church ahead right into a time of renewal, via the decision to a New Evangelization.

“Pope Emeritus Benedict captivated our nation together with his Apostolic Go to to the USA in 2008, throughout which he celebrated Mass at Yankee Stadium and gave an inspiring deal with to the United Nations. I had the nice pleasure of assembly Pope Emeritus Benedict on two separate events, the final of which was in 2012, once I introduced him with a religious bouquet of prayers from the Trustworthy of the Diocese of Kalamazoo…He felt our prayers then and continued to obtain them throughout his years as Pope Emeritus. He shall be recognized for his shocking and historic resignation from the papacy on February 28, 2013.

“Allow us to be a part of collectively in prayer, asking our Loving God to welcome Pope Emeritus Benedict into the Heavenly Kingdom. Might he obtain the reward for his 95 years of trustworthy witness to and love for Jesus Christ, as we provide our thanksgiving to the Lord for this Holy Father’s longstanding service to the Church and to the world.”

Bishop Paul J. Bradley, Diocese of Kalamazoo