POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI

The man who became the first Pope in almost 600 years to resign his post, has died.
Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, was 95 years old and had been in declining health. In fact, in the last week, Pope Francis asked people to pray for Benedict, saying he was quite ill.

The Director of the Press Office of the Holy See said, "With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican."

That message gave rise to remembrances far and near. Here in Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich said, "Today we join Pope Francis and Catholics across the world in mourning the death of Pope Benedict XVI who has gone home to the God he served faithfully. Throughout his life as a scholar and as a churchman, he showed us what it means to fulfill the ancient command to love God with all your heart...May he rest in peace."

Father Brian Taber, S.J., of Saint Ignatius College Prep said, "Pope Benedict devoted his life to the Church. He offered profound insights as a theologian and dutifully attended to the stewardship of the faithful. May our Blessed Mother and the communion of saints greet him with joy in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom he nobly served."

Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, was born Joseph Ratzinger in Bavaria, Germany. After World War II and forced military service, Ratzinger was ordained a priest. He was a theological adviser during the Second Vatican Council, working on reforms that brought the Church into the modern age. He rose up the ranks, and became a cardinal in 1977. He also served Saint John Paul II as chief theological adviser, and led the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith.

He became Pope Benedict XVI after Pope John Paul II passed away in 2005.

Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, staunchly defended the teachings of the Catholic Church. His was a conservative voice.

The Pope Emeritus stepped down from his position in 2013, shocking the world. Age influenced his decision. In his announcement he said "both strength of mind and body are necessary to lead the Church."

The former Pope's funeral will be at St. Peter's Square Thursday. His body will lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City starting Monday.
Back

Saint Ignatius College Prep

Saint Ignatius College Prep, a Jesuit Catholic school in the heart of Chicago, is a diverse community dedicated to educating young men and women for lives of faith, love, service and leadership.