Events
Bellary Bishop condoles the death of Emeritus Pope Benedict
BELLARY, 2 JAN 2023:

Bishop Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary expressed his profound grief at the passing away of emeritus Pope Benedict XVI .
“Pope Benedict was a devoted shepherd, an outstanding theologian and an eminent writer,” stated Bishop Henry.

“I had the privilege on personally meeting him thrice in the Vatican, once before my Episcopal ordination and twice thereafter,” recalled Bishop D’Souza.

“Recongised as a towering intellectual, then known as Cardinal Ratzinger, was one of the few experts who attended the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and served the Church in multiple capacities. He was known for his simplicity and fidelity to the Church, without counting popularity,” stated Bishop D’Souza.

Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI was the Supreme Pontiff and Head of State of the Vatican City State from 19 April 2005 until his resignation on 28 February 2013.

He was the 265th leader of the Catholic Church. He was hailed as the “resolute defender” of the Catholic faith. He acted firmly and resolutely in matters of faith.

Known for his orthodoxy during the papacy of his predecessor St John Paul II, Pope Benedict, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, served as the Head of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith from 1981 to 2005.

Pope Benedict resigned in 2013 because of failing health - the first pope to do so in 600 years.

Some of his most popular books are: Jesus of Nazareth, Introduction to Christianity, Called to Communion, Friendship with Jesus, to name just a few.

His Apostolic Exhortations are: During his eight-year papacy, Pope Benedict XVI taught the Church and the world with unique erudition and faith.

Pope Francis praised his "dearest" predecessor, highlighting "his sacrifices offered for the good of the Church".

His funeral service will be held at the Vatican on 5 January.