Tipperary falls silent in prayer for the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Prayers were offered this evening throughout County Tipperary for the late Pope Emeritus Benedict  XVI who has died today after a long illness.

As congregations in the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, and the Dioceses of Kilalloe, and Waterford and Lismore, gathered for the Saturday evening Vigil Mass, thoughts and prayers for the late, much-loved retired Pontiff were on the minds of the faithful on the last day of 2022.

Priests led the congregations in prayer for the man who led the Catholic Church during a very difficult period and who had the humility and humbleness to become the first ever Pope to retire when the operations of the office of the Holy See became too much for him, thereby paving the way for Pope Francis to take over.

Prior to his papal election, Pope Benedict was renowned as an accomplished and respected theologian. A gifted teacher and prolific academic theologian, he was appointed as Professor of theology in 1958, aged only 31.

He exhibited a particular capacity to make difficult theological concepts accessible to his students and readers, a teaching charism that accounts for the popularity of his writings about Jesus, Christianity and faith.

Above: Pope Francis took over from Pope Benedict in 2013 after the late German scholar and Pontiff retired.

Having worked in several German universities, this young professor played a significant role as a theological advisor during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).

In 1977, he was appointed as Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977. In 1981, Benedict XVI was asked to serve as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and principal theological advisor to Pope John Paul II. His writings and interviews (such as those with Prof. Jűrgen Habermas) on the relationship between faith and reason in contemporary culture remain foundational for the presentation of Christian faith as the Church seeks to provide reasons for the faith that is within us. (1 Peter 3:15)

Pope Francis pictured with Pope Benedict XVI

Prayers were offered this evening throughout County Tipperary for the late Pope Emeritus Benedict  XVI who has died today after a long illness.

As congregations in the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, and the Dioceses of Kilalloe, and Waterford and Lismore, gathered for the Saturday evening Vigil Mass, thoughts and prayers for the late, much-loved retired Pontiff were on the minds of the faithful on the last day of 2022.

Priests led the congregations in prayer for the man who led the Catholic Church during a very difficult period and who had the humility and humbleness to become the first ever Pope to retire when the operations of the office of the Holy See became too much for him, thereby paving the way for Pope Francis to take over.

Prior to his papal election, Pope Benedict was renowned as an accomplished and respected theologian. A gifted teacher and prolific academic theologian, he was appointed as Professor of theology in 1958, aged only 31.

He exhibited a particular capacity to make difficult theological concepts accessible to his students and readers, a teaching charism that accounts for the popularity of his writings about Jesus, Christianity and faith.

Having worked in several German universities, this young professor played a significant role as a theological advisor during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).

In 1977, he was appointed as Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977. In 1981, Benedict XVI was asked to serve as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and principal theological advisor to Pope John Paul II. His writings and interviews (such as those with Prof. Jűrgen Habermas) on the relationship between faith and reason in contemporary culture remain foundational for the presentation of Christian faith as the Church seeks to provide reasons for the faith that is within us. (1 Peter 3:15)

Elected Pope on 19th April 2005, and following in the footsteps of his predecessor Pope Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI initiated reforms within the Vatican Dicasteries which have been taken forward by Pope Francis.

Pope Emeritus Benedict published many scholarly writings. In his papal encyclicals and his many theological texts, Pope Benedict has provided insight into the central teachings of the Christian faith. His first papal encyclical Deus Caritas est (2005) offered a profound reflection on the nature of human and divine love and encouraged the sharing of God’s love with others through acts of charity.

Spe salvi (2 007) centred on the theme of Christian hope which is grounded upon faith in God. Caritas in veritate (2009) which emphasised the importance of Christian action in the world and integral human development. A prolific theological author, one of his more recent famous works is ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ which comprehensively provides a Gospel portrait of Jesus Christ.

Since his resignation in February 2013, Pope Benedict has sought to serve the Church through a life dedicated to prayer. In more recent years, Pope Benedict has also carried the personal cross of human suffering and illness.

The President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference is Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and the Vice-President is Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin. Both Archbishops will represent the Bishops’ Conference at the Funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the Vatican on 5 January.

Elected Pope on 19th April 2005, and following in the footsteps of his predecessor Pope Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI initiated reforms within the Vatican Dicasteries which have been taken forward by Pope Francis.

Pope Emeritus Benedict published many scholarly writings. In his papal encyclicals and his many theological texts, Pope Benedict has provided insight into the central teachings of the Christian faith. His first papal encyclical Deus Caritas est (2005) offered a profound reflection on the nature of human and divine love and encouraged the sharing of God’s love with others through acts of charity.

Spe salvi (2007) centred on the theme of Christian hope which is grounded upon faith in God. Caritas in veritate (2009) which emphasised the importance of Christian action in the world and integral human development. A prolific theological author, one of his more recent famous works is ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ which comprehensively provides a Gospel portrait of Jesus Christ.

Since his resignation in February 2013, Pope Benedict has sought to serve the Church through a life dedicated to prayer. In more recent years, Pope Benedict has also carried the personal cross of human suffering and illness.

The President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference is Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and the Vice-President is Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin. Both Archbishops will represent the Bishops’ Conference at the Funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the Vatican on 5 January.