In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
O God, who in your wondrous providence chose your servant Benedict to preside over your Church, grant, we pray, that, having served as the Vicar of your Son on earth, he may be welcomed by him into eternal glory. For Pope Emeritus Benedict, who has united with our Lord, may the eternal Shepherd receive him into his kingdom of light and peace. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
POPE BENEDICT XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, was the head of the Catholic
Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from April 19th, 2005, until his
resignation on February 28th, 2013. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th
Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, selecting the name Benedict XVI. Benedict's
election as pope occurred in the 2005 papal conclave that followed the death of Pope
John Paul II. Benedict chose to be known as "Pope emeritus" upon his resignation, and
he retained this title until his death in December 2022. He was succeeded by our
current pontiff, Pope Francis on March 13th, 2013 and remained in Vatican City for the
entirety of his retirement years.
Pope Benedict’s legacy includes his important and valuable contributions to the Second
Vatican Council, the ecumenical council which produced a series of four constitutions
and nine decrees, instrumental in directing the life of the Church in the twentieth century
and beyond. Pope Benedict was a staunch defender of Catholic doctrine and was
always very intentional in reaffirming Catholic doctrine and theology.
The rapid succession of his numerous, detailed publications has also continued as the
years have passed, serving as a reference point for Catholics and especially for those
involved in advanced theological studies. Benedict also revived several traditions,
including the Tridentine Mass. He strengthened the relationship between the Catholic
Church and art, promoted the use of Latin, and reintroduced traditional papal
vestments.
POPE BENEDICT XVI https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en.html
Traditional Ceremonies Surrounding the Death of a Roman Pontiff -https://www.liturgicalartsjournal.com/