Click here for updates on the Memorial Mass for Pope Benedict XVI taking place on June 29.
From Archbishop Hebda:
United in prayer with Pope Francis and the shepherds and faithful of the Universal Church, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis mourns the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a faithful servant of Christ and his Church.
I was in Saint Peter’s Square the evening that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected as successor of St. Peter and I recall his amazement that the cardinals gathered in conclave had chosen to elect a “humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord.” I had already personally experienced his exceptional kindness and had long admired his world-class intellect but my love and respect for him grew as the world came to know him as a humble and selfless shepherd, with a unique gift for proclaiming the truth with love. It was only my confidence in his discernment that led me to say “yes” when I was named by him in 2009 to serve as a diocesan bishop. I will always be grateful for his magnanimity and example.
Please join me in praying that the Good Lord will now mercifully welcome the Pope Emeritus to the heavenly banquet table. A Mass will be offered at the Cathedral of Saint Paul this Wednesday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. for the eternal repose of his soul and in thanksgiving for his Petrine ministry. All are welcomed to join us on that occasion.
From Auxiliary Bishop Joseph A. Williams:
I was saddened to hear of the passing of our Holy Father, Benedict XVI, but I rejoice in the gift that his life was to the Church. Few things in this world have given me greater delight than meditating on his writings. Surely, I was experiencing the joy of having found Christian truth so clearly and beautifully expressed in our modern world, and I know that I shared this joy with countless believers throughout the world. Together we owe a debt of gratitude to Jesus for gifting us this faithful “coworker in the truth.” May he rest now from all his labors in the house of the Father.