As news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI spreads on Saturday, Church leaders remember the late pope as a scholar, a gentle man and a man of God.
by Lisa Zengarini
Reactions are beginning to pour in from around the world to the news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who passed away Saturday morning at 9:34 a.m.
Archbishop Costelloe (Australia): an important figure in the Church
In a statement issued shortly after the news was released at the Vatican, the president of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ACBC), Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, said the late German-born pope will be fondly remembered. in Australia as the Pontiff who led young people around the world in prayer at World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008.
“From his time as an expert adviser at the Second Vatican Council onwards, there was no doubt that Joseph Ratzinger was an important figure within the Church throughout the world,” he said. “His papacy will be remembered for one of rich teachings, including his encyclicals on love, hope and truth, as well as his Jesus of Nazareth book series, and for important reforms in areas such as liturgy and the handling of child sexual abuse. ”.
Archbishop Fisher (Australia): a gentle father figure
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, the bishop who oversaw World Youth Day in 2008, said Pope Benedict XVI had been a key influence and someone he became close with. “Remembering his time in Australia and learning from this gentle father figure was a real joy,” she said, noting that “he had a great intellect, which he shared through his work as a teacher, Church leader and ultimately, Like dad”. .
Cardinal Nichols (UK): a gentleman and a man of God
British Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster describes Pope Benedict as a pastor, a scholar, a gentleman and a man of God.
The president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of England and Wales (CBCEW) says he has fond memories of Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to the UK in 2010. “It was a remarkable event. Remarkable in many, many ways,” he says, noting that the “two weeks of criticism, rancor and anguish” expressed by some before the visit “soon dissipated” and turned to enthusiasm. “We saw the courtesy of him, the kindness of him, the insight of his mind and the openness of his welcome to everyone he met.”
According to Cardinal Nichols, Benedict XVI’s visit to the UK in September 2010 marked a turning point for the Catholic Church: “That visit, especially the visit to Westminster Hall, still resonates; it still gives Catholic politicians a platform and continued respect.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, whom Benedict met during that visit, joined Pope Francis and the entire Catholic Church in mourning his death.
“In his life and ministry, Pope Benedict XVI pointed people to Christ,” the head of the Anglican Communion remarked in a tweet on Saturday.
Archbishop Eamon Martin (Ireland): a “leading apostle of Christ”.
In his statement of condolences on behalf of the Irish Bishops and the faithful across Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh also recalls the late Pope’s deep spirituality, humility and kindness, describing him as an “outstanding apostle of Christ”.
“With his great listening skills combined with a personal and discreet charm, the late Pope was able to win people to Christ wherever he was,” writes the Irish Catholic Primate.
The statement also highlights his “commitment to the dialogue between faith and reason” and his concern for the “spiritual identity of Europe.” He also recalls his special concern for Ireland and the Irish Church, especially during the child abuse crisis that led to his Pastoral Letter to Irish Catholics in 2010.
Archbishop Broglio (USA): grief and gratitude
For his part, the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, says he has mixed feelings of “pain” and “gratefulness” for the news. In a reflection posted on the USCCB website, the Archbishop for the Military Services expresses the gratitude of the American Church “for the precious ministry of Pope Benedict XVI,” whose voice, he says, “led all of us to a deeper love.” depth of the truth and mystery of God. “Even in retirement, withdrawing to live a life of quiet prayer and study, he continued to teach us how to be a true disciple of Christ, while continuing to contribute to his legacy,” Archbishop Broglio notes.
Archbishop Grušas (European bishops): a faithful servant
In his message of condolences, the president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), Monsignor Gintaras Grušas, draws attention to the “European magisterium that Benedict XVI developed during his pontificate, stressing the importance of Europe’s Christian roots and highlighting a necessary return to Christ and to evangelization for the construction of a civilization of love”. He assures that the bishops of Europe will continue to develop this Magisterium “in the certainty that only Christ is the hope of a Europe in conflict.”
While joining Pope Francis in mourning the deceased emeritus, the president of the CCEE asks “all the ecclesial communities of Europe for prayers to accompany Benedict XVI on his last pilgrimage and to invoke the Heaven of the Lord for his good and faithful servant ”.
