The Diocese of Rome celebrated a Mass for Pope emeritus Benedict XVI. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis processed into the Basilica of St. John Lateran with the hymn, Adeste Fideles.
In the preface, Cardinal De Donatis explained the main purpose of the Mass to the hundreds of people gathered to offer their prayers for the Pope emeritus.
To support our dear Bishop and Pope emeritus Benedict XVI in this time of struggle and trial. Because similar to Christ even in suffering, he may be among us like his master, the Lord, a witness of love for the Church, his bride to the end.
In his homily, the Cardinal spoke of Joseph Ratzinger's resemblance to St. Joseph—his baptismal namesake. He said that, just as St. Joseph abandoned himself to Mary in times of difficulty, so Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has for years entrusted his destiny to God.
We like to think that our Bishop emeritus Joseph, in this time of hardship, is holding hands with St. Joseph, who helps him to always keep alive God's invitation not to fear.
Cardinal De Donatis recalled the most important teachings of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI's pontificate. He also recounted the interesting answer the Pope emeritus gave to a journalist who asked him years ago how he was preparing to die.
The important thing is not to imagine it but to live in the knowledge that all life tends toward this encounter, which will be, as written in the Spe Salvi encyclical, the moment of immersion in the ocean of infinite love.
Throughout the week, Pope Francis has invited all Christians to keep Pope emeritus Benedict XVI in their thoughts and prayers.
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TR: KG
