Apostolic Nuncio in Sri Lanka Archbishop Brian Udaigwe on Saturday officially announced the passing away of the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI.
The Apostolic Nuncio representing the Holy See appreciated all Sri Lankans especially President Ranil Wickremesinghe who had inquired about the filing health of the Pope Emeritus.
The message: “With sorrow and total submission to the will of God, officially inform the Bishops’ Conference, Priests, Religious, Faithful and all the people of Sri Lanka that Pope Emeritus, Benedict, XVI, passed away in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.
The funeral will be held in Saint Peter’s Square on Thursday January 5, at 9.30 a.m, presided by the Holy Father Pope Francis.
In recent days the health of the Pope Emeritus had worsened due to advancing age and Pope Francis had publicly shared the news on the deterioration of his predecessor’s health at the end of the last general audience of this year, on December 28 and invited all to pray for him.
The late Pope Emeritus was 95 years. He was elected Pople on April 19, 2005 and he resigned on February 28, 2013.
“I express appreciation to all Sri Lankans, especially President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had inquired about the failing health of the Pope Emeritus”.
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