A small memorial to Benedict XVI has been set up in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapel.
On December 31st, 2022, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI quietly passed away in Mater Ecclesiae Monastery at the age of 95. According to his secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Benedict's final words were "Signore ti amo."
Benedict’s place in history will be unique. A quiet scholar and eminent theologian who never wanted the job on the Chair of St. Peter, Benedict did his best to navigate the Church in tumultuous times as a “witness to [Christ]…even to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
He is best known for being the first pope in six centuries to voluntarily resign the papacy, the previous one being Gregory XII in 1415 to end the Great Western Schism. He spent the rest of his life in quiet retirement in Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, located in the Vatican.
On Thursday, January 5, Pope Francis will celebrate a Requiem Mass for Benedict XVI; it will be a rare, if not the only, occasion where a presiding Supreme Pontiff will do so for a previous one.
In accordance with papal tradition, Benedict’s remains are currently lying in state in St. Peter’s Basilica in red vestments.
The school memorial to Benedict XVI will remain in the chapel for the rest of the week.
The Notre Dame community prays for the soul of Benedict XVI, entrusting him to God’s mercy with faith and confidence.
Euge serve bone et fidelis…intra in gaudium Domini tui. "Well done, good and faithful servant.... enter into the joy of your Lord." (Mt. 25: 21).
This post was supplied by Mr. Dharmasetia.