PEORIA, Ill. – He was a “humble servant of God.”
That’s how Catholic Diocese of Peoria Bishop Louis Tylka describes Pope Benedict XVI, in asking local faithful to continue to pray for, and mourn the passing of, him.
Pope Benedict — the first Pope in 600 years to resign — passed away Saturday at the age of 95.
Tylka says Pope Benedict’s legacy was one of “remarkable testament of the teaching and preaching of the truth of Jesus Christ.”
The man now known as Pope Francis succeeded Pope Benedict, who gained the title of “Pope Emeritus” when he resigned.
“With Pope Francis and Catholics around the world, we mourn the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The humble servant of God, Benedict XVI, served the Church as a priest, scholar, bishop, cardinal, and as pope. His legacy is a remarkable testament of the teaching and preaching of the truth of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for his witness of faith, placing his life completely in the hands of God. Trusting that he now enjoys the reward of his good labor and the gift of eternal life won by Christ, we commend his soul to our merciful and loving Father.
“All are encouraged to offer prayers of gratitude for the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and prayers that he may now rest in peace.” — Bishop Louis Tylka, Catholic Diocese of Peoria, statement
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