Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away today, Dec. 31, 2022, at the age of 95. He had renounced the papacy on February 11, 2013, and had since then retired in prayer, silence and total discretion in Vatican City.
We pray for the repose of his soul and ask his intercession for our world and for the Church he so loved and for which he remains the witness of humility and service.
Through his teaching he continues to be the teacher who guides with wisdom to the Great Teacher of Life and Love.
In this time of his passing we like to quote his last words that were published in a press release on February 6, 2022:
“Soon I will have to face the ultimate judge of my life.
Although, looking back on my long life, I may have many reasons for fear and dread, my heart remains joyful because I firmly believe that the Lord is not only the righteous judge but, at the same time, the friend and brother who has already suffered my shortcomings himself and who, as judge, is at the same time my advocate (Paraclete).
As the hour of judgment approaches, the grace of being a Christian becomes clearer and clearer to me.
Being a Christian gives me knowledge of, indeed, friendship with the judge of my life, and enables me to pass confidently through the dark door of death. In this regard, I am constantly reminded of what John relates at the beginning of Revelation: he sees the Son of Man in all his greatness and falls at his feet as if dead. But He places His right hand on him and says, “Fear not. It is I…” (cf. Rev. 1:12-17).”
