Prayer for a Deceased Pope (from the Roman Missal)
God, Who, in Thine ineffable providence, didst will that Thy servant Pope Benedict XVI should be numbered among the high priests, grant, we beseech Thee, that he, who on earth held the place of Thine only-begotten Son, may be joined forevermore to the fellowship of Thy holy pontiffs. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
Amen.
Remembering Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, was the Pope of the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013. He was born on April 16, 1927 in Marktl am Inn, Bavaria, Germany. He was the oldest pope to be elected since Pope Clement XII in 1730.
Ratzinger was ordained as a priest in 1951 and began teaching theology at the University of Bonn in 1959. In 1977, he was appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freising, and later became a cardinal in the Catholic Church. In 1981, he was appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a position he held until his election as pope in 2005.
As pope, Benedict XVI was known for his conservative views and his efforts to reaffirm traditional Catholic teachings. He issued a revised version of the Code of Canon Law, and also wrote several influential works on theology, including “Jesus of Nazareth” and “The Spirit of the Liturgy”.
In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation, citing his advanced age and declining health. He was the first pope to resign since Pope Gregory XII in 1415. After his resignation, he retired to a monastery within the Vatican and continued to write and publish works on theology.
Pope Benedict XVI had a long and influential career as a theologian, scholar, and leader of the Catholic Church. Some of his notable accomplishments during his papacy include:
- Promoting traditional Catholic teachings: Pope Benedict XVI was known for his conservative views and his efforts to reaffirm traditional Catholic teachings. He issued a revised version of the Code of Canon Law, and also wrote several influential works on theology, including “Jesus of Nazareth” and “The Spirit of the Liturgy”.
- Promoting interfaith dialogue: Pope Benedict XVI made efforts to improve relations between the Catholic Church and other faiths, particularly with Judaism and Islam. He visited synagogues and mosques, and made a historic visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland.
- Advocating for social justice: Pope Benedict XVI spoke out on issues such as poverty, climate change, and human rights, and encouraged Catholics to work towards social justice and the common good.
- Leading the Church during a time of crisis: Pope Benedict XVI faced several challenges during his papacy, including the sexual abuse scandal that rocked the Church and the impact of the global financial crisis. He worked to address these challenges and to bring about healing and reform within the Church.
- Resigning from the papacy: Pope Benedict XVI made history by becoming the first pope to resign since Pope Gregory XII in 1415. His decision to step down due to his advanced age and declining health set a precedent for future popes to follow.
Here are some lesser-known facts about Pope Benedict XVI:
- He was conscripted into the German anti-aircraft corps as a teenager during World War II. He later deserted and was captured by American forces. After deserting from the German army in May 1945, Ratzinger was sent to an American POW camp in Ulm, Germany, until his release on June 15, 1945.
- He was a talented musician and played the piano and the clarinet. He also composed music and wrote lyrics for hymns.
- He was an avid reader and enjoyed literature, particularly the works of German poet Rainer Maria Rilke.
- He was a strong advocate for the environment and supported efforts to address climate change. He also promoted the use of alternative energy sources and encouraged the Church to adopt more environmentally-friendly practices.
- He had a personal secretary, Georg Gänswein, who is also a prelate of the Catholic Church and serves as the prefect of the Papal Household. Gänswein continued to serve Pope Benedict XVI after his resignation and remains a close confidant to Pope Francis.
Pope Benedict XVI died on December 31, 2022 at the age of 95.