The late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI | Wikimedia Commons
The late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI | Wikimedia Commons
The Diocese of Tucson performed a special mass service in memory of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Jan. 2 at St. Augustine Cathedral.
"My heart is heavy in learning that our beloved Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, has passed into eternal life," Tucson Bishop Edward Weisenburger said, according to KGUN 9 Tucson. "At the same time, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for his life and ministry."
Benedict XVI, the first pope to retire from the lifetime appointment in 600 years, died Dec. 31 at the age of 95.
"As a man of deep faith, humility, extraordinary intellect and prayer, he emerged to be the shepherd our world so badly needed," Weisenburger said of Benedict, according to KGUN 9 Tucson.
Weisenburger added that he had met Benedict personally.
"I would note that I felt a personal bond to Pope Benedict as he appointed me a bishop, and I was privileged to meet with him briefly on two occasions," he said. "I kindly ask the faithful of our diocese, along with people of good will everywhere, to pray for the gentle repose of the soul of this great and loving man. May he know the perfection of love and life."
Diocese of Tucson remembered Benedict in a Facebook Post on Jan. 1: "Please join us in prayers for the gentle repose of the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who passed away early this morning. Eternal rest grant upon him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen."
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