His Holiness, Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI has fallen asleep in the Lord today after a long life and a distinguished life of service.
“With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be provided as soon as possible.”
Statement of Matteo Bruni
Director of the Holy See Press Office
Archbishop Georg Gaenswein writes: “Papa emerito said to me and to all those who accompanied him in his last hours, “Please pray for me!” –I would like to pass on this request of the Pope Emeritus to all those whom his death touches. For myself, his death means a great and personal loss. I am deeply grateful and at the same time very sad.”
Let us pray.
O God of all spiritual and corporeal beings,
You trampled death, broke the power
of Satan and granted life to the whole world.
Now, O Lord, grant also rest to the soul of
Your departed servant Benedict XVI in a place of light,
freshness, and peace, where there is no
pain, sorrow, or mourning.
As a gracious God and loving mankind, forgive him
every transgression committed by him
in word, deed, or thought, since there is no
man alive who has not sinned. You alone
are without sin and Your justice is everlasting
justice, and Your word is always the truth.
For You are the resurrection, the life and
the rest of Your departed Benedict, O
Christ our God, and we render glory to You,
together with Your Eternal Father, and Your
most Holy, gracious, and life-giving Spirit,
now and ever and forever. Amen.
(Attributed to St. John Chrysostom)