In accordance with Pope Benedict XVI’s wishes, his funeral and moments of prayer surrounding it will be simple, according to the Vatican press office.
On the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Bishop Edward J. Burns says, he will “forever be grateful for his paternal love and kindness and will always consider him one of the great thinkers and shepherds in the history of the Catholic Church.”
Catholic leaders around the world who had been praying for retired Pope Benedict XVI reacted with sorrow to news of his death Dec. 31 but expressed gratitude for his years of service to the Catholic Church as a theologian and pope.
Eight years as pope capped long ministry as teacher of faith By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY —…
With “Connections of Faith,” we invite you to follow the story of how the diocesan televised Mass was born, how it grew to meet the needs of the faithful during uncertain times, and how it has evolved into its own homebound ministry to continue to serve the people of the Diocese of Dallas and beyond.
The Sunday televised Masses began as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but have evolved into a ministry aimed at helping reconnect the countless elderly, ailing and homebound Catholics in the Diocese of Dallas to their faith community.
Two days after Pope Francis told people retired Pope Benedict was “very sick” and in need of prayers, the Vatican said he again had had a restful night and was able to participate in the celebration of Mass in his room.
Saying that retired Pope Benedict XVI was “very sick,” Pope Francis asked people to offer special prayers for him.
The day after Christmas the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, which emphasizes how the story of Jesus’ birth is not a “fairy tale,” but a call to live as witnesses of the Gospel, Pope Francis said.
This Christmas let us welcome the Lord, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, into our world and our lives. God loved us so much that He sent us His Son to give us His grace, redeem us by His love, and sustain us by His peace.