Bishop&#039;s statement on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

December 31, 2022

Statement from Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester
“The universal Church is profoundly saddened at the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, whose pontificate was an extraordinary gift to the Church and to the world. Ever the brilliant theologian and teacher, the late Pope Emeritus guided the Church through the rough seas of doubt, confusion and challenging ideologies, always presenting the tenets of our Catholic faith with wisdom and genuine pastoral concern. It is that same Catholic faith in the resurrection of Christ from the dead that gave our deceased Pope Emeritus and that gives us as well our only hope of future glory in heaven. I encourage all Catholics and all people of good will to pray for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the coming days that he may be welcomed home to the new and eternal Jerusalem by the Risen Lord whom he loved and served so well. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”