Chikwawa Diocese to celebrate Funeral Mass for Late Pope Emeritus
Chikwawa Diocese to celebrate Funeral Mass for Late Pope Emeritus
Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese, will on Thursday, 5th January 2023, lead the faithful in a Eucharistic offering in solidarity with the Universal Church, for the peaceful repose of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI.
In a letter released by the Pastoral office on 3rd January, 2023, addressed to the clergy, religious and the lay faithful, the diocese expresses sadness at the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
“The Diocese of Chikwawa is deeply saddened by the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The funeral will take place on Thursday, January 5th in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican. To this effect, we write to invite you to the diocesan funeral mass to join the Universal Church in praying for the repose of the soul of the Pope Emeritus.” Reads the statement.
The Diocesan funeral mass will be celebrated at St Michael’s Cathedral in Chikwawa at 10 AM.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger on 16th April, 1927 in Marktl German was head of the Catholic Church from April 2005 till February 2013 upon His resignation. He was elected Pope after the passing of Pope St John Paul II. He is well known as an accomplished scholar who taught in many Universities and wrote numerous books in the Church.
His resignation as Pope surprised many since it was the first of its kind in recent memory; being the first to do so since the resignation of Gregory XII in 1415.