Benedict XVI died on December 31, 2022. On Sunday, Pope Francis commemorated his predecessor.
In his final address after the Angelus prayer in 2023, Pope Francis paid tribute to Benedict XVI on the first anniversary of his predecessor’s death. The Holy Father stated that the late Pope continues to bless and help the Church from heaven. Francis added that Benedict XVI served the Church “wisely and with love.”
– We feel so much affection for him, so much gratitude, so much admiration. He blesses us from heaven and accompanies us, Pope Francis said on the Feast of the Holy Family. After his words, among those gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pilgrims burst into applause.
Benedict XVI died on December 31, 2022 at the age of 95. The Bavarian hierarch was pope from 2005 to 2013 and is considered by many to be one of the most important theologians of today. He spent the last nine years of his life as Pope Emeritus in the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery after resigning on February 11, 2013. The abdication of a German pope was the first such event in 600 years.
Earlier that day in St. Peter’s Basilica. A special Holy Mass was celebrated in St. Peter’s Square. for Benedict XVI, who is part of a two-day conference on the life, teachings and legacy of the late pope.
Holy Family
During his speech after the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis also reflected on how the Holy Family faced difficulties but persevered. The Holy Father pointed out the amazing presence of God in their lives.
The Pope drew attention to the “surprising” fact that Jesus was born into a family “experienced in suffering,” as evidenced in today’s Gospel reading. After Mary and Joseph introduce Jesus in the temple, they offer the humblest sacrifice: a pair of doves. Then the old man Simeon tells Mary that ‘a sword will pierce her soul’.
– How come the Family of Jesus, the only family in history that could boast of the presence of God in flesh and blood, was poor instead of rich! – asked the Pope. – It seems that instead of having everything easy, this family is facing obstacles! Instead of being free from their troubles, this family is plunged into great grief! – added.
Pope Francis said this fact shows that God in Christ “came to live our lives with his problems” and “thus saved us by living among us.”
Source: Do Rzeczy
Roy Brown is a renowned economist and author at The Nation View. He has a deep understanding of the global economy and its intricacies. He writes about a wide range of economic topics, including monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade, and labor markets.
