麻豆约拍

A spiritual comment and prayer marking the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, with the Bishop of Salford, John Arnold.

Good morning. The sad news of the death of Pope Benedict XVI is cause for Catholics, and indeed Christians worldwide, to reflect on the enormity of his role as leader and guide of the Catholic Church.

Christians believe that life is a journey, where each one of us is learning about the person and ministry of Jesus who is for us, the Way, the Truth and the Life. All followers of Christ learn to be his ambassadors in the way we live our daily lives. In a global Church of an estimated 1.3 billion Catholics, that journey will have many different paths and turns for people living in such different contexts around the world. How different our lives: for people living in the prosperity of a secular world, others in developing countries in the global south, many living under political oppression and persecution or in poverty. For eight years, Pope Benedict led the global Church in its journey, helping and encouraging all its members to remain focussed on Christ, whoever and wherever we may be. His life was dedicated to encouraging us with his scholarship, holiness and prayer.

Loving Father, we ask you to welcome Pope Benedict into eternal life, rewarding him for his selfless devotion and service of your Church. May his example live on in our Church as we seek to be ambassadors in our daily living. As the family of the Church, we pray in communion that you will forgive any human frailty or transgression and bring him into the light of your presence where, one day, we may celebrate your infinite love and mercy together. May he rest in peace. Amen.