This Saturday, December 31, with the news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the Argentine bishops, gathered in the Argentine Episcopal Conference They bid farewell to emeritus Benedict XVI and thanked him for his “service to the universal Church.”
Through a statement from the Argentine Episcopal Conferencethe bishops highlighted that “We give thanks for his service to the universal Church, with a generous dedication and until the end of his life, with his robust faith, his unwavering hope and his exemplary charity”, write those dedicated to the faith.
In addition, the ecclesiastical referents of the Argentine Episcopal Conference recall “greatness” as the current Pope Francis described it weeks ago, at the time of resigning his post in the following way: “When the fragility of his health did not allow him to continue exercising his mission fully, he had the greatness to resign depending on the Church that he dearly loved”, giving way to the Argentine Bergoglio.
Benedict XVI exercised his religious work from April 19, 2005 until his resignation due to health issues on February 28, 2013. His life of service to the church came to an end this Saturday at 9:34 (local time) in the monastery where he lived, Matter Ecclesia, Inside the Vatican Gardens. According to the late pope’s funeral, he asked that they be “solemn, but under the sign of simplicity.”
Among the main speakers who said goodbye in memory of Benedict XVI, is the current Pope Franciscowho in his homily on the vespers for the Solemnity of Holy Mary Mother of God, said he recalled “with affection and gratitude to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who was called to the Father’s House this December 31, at 9:34 ( local time)”.
The funeral of Benedict XVI
The funeral of the Supreme Pontiff will take place on January 5 in Saint Peter’s Square. According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the event will be officiated by the acting pope, Francis. Also It was announced that the body of Benedict XVI will be exposed from Monday in the Basilica of Saint Peter to be venerated by believers.
In this way, the coexistence of the two popes will culminate: the German Ratzinger, a conservative theologian who was not very popular among the crowds; and the Argentine Jorge Bergoglio, who is making efforts to carry out his papacy dedicated to the underprivileged of the world.
