CINCINNATI — Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the first pontiff in almost 600 years to resign from the post, died Saturday.
Upon the death of Pope John Paul II, on April 18, 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, then 78, was elected the 264th successor of Saint Peter and chose the name Benedict XVI. On Feb. 13, 2013, Pope Benedict announced his resignation, citing his age as the deciding factor for his historic decision.
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati shared a statement from Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr reflecting upon his passing.
On Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 5:15 p.m., Schnurr will celebrate mass for the peaceful repose of the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati.
“Pope Benedict is widely known as one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century, but this distinction should not overshadow his genuine personal interactions and humble nature,” Schnurr said
Schnurr shared several personal reminiscences, including a time in the 1990s where Schnurr would frequently travel to Rome for work when Pope Benedict was a cardinal.
“Those of us who interacted with him can attest to his ready sense of humor and consistently kind nature," he said.
“He would mingle with the people in the square while garbed in a simple black cassock. There was no indication that he was a cardinal," Schnurr said. "Often, he was asked by groups to serve as its photographer. This he did willingly and with a generous smile. As far as the group members were concerned, they had just been assisted by one of the local priests — and Cardinal Ratzinger seemed content to leave them with that understanding. I often wonder today if any of those tourists know their photographer moved on to become Pope Benedict XVI.”
Watch Live:
