VATICAN CITY—Christ’s final words on the cross, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,” are often invoked on Good Friday observances. But on January 5, they made their way into Pope Francis’ homily at the funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
The funeral for the Pope Emeritus took place at 9:30 am Rome time, and marked the first time a pope presided over a funeral Mass for a predecessor. The Vatican estimates 50,000 people attended the Mass, which was concelebrated by some 125 cardinals and 3,700 priests.
In his homily for the deceased Pope Emeritus, Pope Francis reflected upon Christ’s words on the cross, remarking the faithful would make the same plea for Benedict XVI.
“God’s faithful people, gathered here, now accompany and entrust to him the life of the one who was once their pastor,” the pope said. “Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom, may your joy be complete as you hear his voice, now and forever.”
As they did with the Pope Emeritus’ predecessor, many in the Vatican waved flags reading the phrase “Santo subito” —a Latin phrase calling for immediate sainthood. Pope John Paul II was ultimately canonized by Pope Francis in 2014, in part thanks to Pope Emeritus Benedict dispensing with the usual five-year waiting period between a person’s death and the beginning of the canonization process.
Born as Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger in Bavaria, Germany in 1927, Benedict XVI began his path to the papacy when he was ordained as a priest in 1951. He served as the Archbishop of Munich and Freising, and was created a cardinal in 1977 by Pope Paul VI. Prior to being elected as pope, Benedict XVI served as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and as Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Following the death of Pope John Paul II, he was elected pope on April 19, 2005, and chose the papal name Benedict XVI. As pope, he continued his legacy as a celebrated theologian and canonized 45 people—including American saints Theodore Guerin, Marianne Cope and Kateri Tekakwitha.
After eight years of his pontificate, Benedict XVI announced he would resign the papacy, owing to his “lack of strength of mind and body.” He was the first pontiff to resign in nearly 600 years, and the first to do so without external pressure in over 700 years. Benedict XVI officially stepped down on February 28, 2013, and Pope Francis was elected the following month.
Following his resignation, Benedict XVI chose the title “Pope Emeritus” and took up residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.
Pope Francis called for prayers for Benedict on December 28, 2022, citing the Pope Emeritus’ failing health in his advanced age.
“I would like to ask for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is supporting the church,” the pope said in his December 28 audience. “I remind you that he is very sick. Let’s ask the Lord to comfort him and support him in this testimony of love for the church until the end.”
Benedict ultimately died three days later, on the morning of December 31, at the age of 95. His final words were reportedly, “Signore, ti amo” —Italian for “Lord, I love you.”
Although his death would come many months after writing a letter regarding a report on abuse in the Archdiocese of Munich-Freising, Benedict’s words on facing the final judge of his life would ring as true as when they were written.
“Even though, as I look back on my long life, I can have great reason for feat and trembling, I am nonetheless of good cheer, for I trust firmly that the Lord is not only the just judge, but also the friend and brother who himself has already suffered for my shortcomings, and is thus also my advocate, my ‘Paraclete,’” the Pope Emeritus wrote last February. “In light of the hour of judgment, the grace of being a Christian becomes all the more clear to me. It grants me knowledge, and indeed friendship, with the judge of my life, and thus allows me to pass confidently through the dark door of death.”
By Rose Brennan
