Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Please join me in praying for the eternal rest of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who was called home to God on this final day of 2022. There is a great sadness in our hearts at the thought that this great man of knowledge and courage, who shepherded our Church for eight years, has passed from this life. At the same time, we are grateful to God for the many ways that he gifted our Church, as a priest, theologian, as the Holy Father and, finally, in retirement. As a teacher and a defender of Church doctrine, Benedict XVI was a guiding light to faithful Catholics who sought to understand and fully live out their faith in the modern world. Thankfully, we have the many books, encyclicals, letters and homilies authored by Benedict XVI to remind us and enrich us in his legacy.
I’m particularly grateful to Pope Benedict XVI because he named me a Bishop 11 years ago.
Our Church now enters a period of mourning, so let us receive this moment as time to unite ourselves in prayer and reflection on a great leader of our Universal Church. Further information will be provided in the coming days about our local diocesan observance of the passing of Benedict XVI.
Peace and blessings to you and to your families.
In Christ’s Love,
Most Reverend Alberto Rojas