Pope Francis to celebrate funeral Mass for late Benedict XVI, Thursday, as Buhari, Catholic bishops, pay tribute

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis would celebrate the funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who voluntarily stepped down as Head of the Catholic Church in 2013, died last Saturday, after battling with undisclosed illnesses.

He has remained a resident of the Vatican, in Rome, since retirement.

Benedict XVI was the first pope in 600 years to resign.

His decision in 2013 to resign paved the way for the conclave that elected Pope Francis.

The two popes then lived side-by-side in the Vatican gardens in an unprecedented arrangement that set the stage for future ‘popes emeritus’ to do the same.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to the late retired pope, Benedict XVI who died at the age of 95 on Saturday, as the Nigerian leader described the latter ‘greatly admired globally for his selfless leadership, renowned learning as a theologian, and dedication to advance inter-faith dialogue and peace.’

Buhari, who commiserated with the reigning Pope Francis, the Catholic Church in Nigeria and around the world, as well as all Christian faithful who mourn the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, said ‘he is doing so on behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

“President Buhari believes that the late Pontiff will be remembered as a true servant of God who used the benevolent gifts of the Almighty upon his life to serve the Church and humanity in humility, reverence and piety, living in word and deed the virtues of a true Christian disciple,” read the statement by the Presidency.

Buhari prayed that ‘the Pope Emeritus receives eternal embrace in the loving arms of the Lord, whom he served faithfully throughout his vocation.’

Meanwhile, in similar condolences, some Catholic Bishops in the United States, Saturday, mourned the death of His Holiness, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who died at the age of 95.

Rt. Rev. Robert Brennan, Catholic Bishop of Brooklyn, in a statement, said Pope Benedict made tremendous contributions to the Second Vatican Council as a priest and theologian.

“Many of his contributions made their way into the documents of the council, which charted the course for the Church in the modern era.

“Pope Benedict XVI had a great mind, and his books have inspired me.

“He was a great teacher who helped us to understand and live our faith more profoundly,’’ he said.

Also in a statement, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, described Pope Benedict as a “superb theologian” and “effective teacher of the faith.

“As a priest, university professor and theologian, archbishop, and cardinal, his voice in deepening an authentic understanding led all of us to a more profound love of truth and the mystery of God,” Broglio, head of the U.S. military archdiocese said.

“It will take many years for us to delve more deeply into the wealth of learning that he has left us.”

Archbishop Broglio also highlighted Pope Benedict’s decision to resign, and the decision “continued his teaching about courage, humility, and love for the Church.”

“He recognised the great demands made of him as the chief shepherd of the Universal Church of a billion Catholics worldwide and his physical limitations for such a monumental task.

“Even in retirement, retreating to live out a life in quiet prayer and study, he continued to teach us how to be a true disciple of Christ while still contributing to his legacy.”

According to him, generations will continue to be enriched by his books, discourses, and homilies. They all reveal a depth of learning and reflection that is essential both in our time and in the future.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York Archdiocese said in a statement that the “human family grieves the passing of this erudite, wise, and holy man, who spoke truth with love.”