Former Vatican Pope Benedict XVI died at the age of 95 in his Mater Ecclesiae monastery in Vatican City. The news broke by the Holy See Press Office.
Declaration of the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni
“With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.
Further information will be provided as soon as possible.”— Holy See Press Office (@HolySeePress) December 31, 2022
Today at the end of the year world lost the holy light that lit the world with the teaching of humanity.
He is the first German Pope in 1,0000 years but he is also the first Pope who retired from the Vatican’s highest job before his death in 2013.
His sudden retirement spark controversy and curiosity around the world but he clarified it that he stepped down from Pope’s position due to health reasons.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI life Journey
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was born on 16 April 1927 in Bavaria, Germany. His real name was Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger.
At the age of 5, he took inspiration from the Cardinal Archbishop of Munich, Michael Von Faulhaber, and decided that he wanted to be a Cardinal.
In his youth, he joined the German army due to Hitler’s pressure but was actually opposed to it.
He began studying as a Chaplain at the Parish St. Martin in Munich in 1951 and become a professor at the University of Bonn in 1959.
A noted theologian has proficiency in some languages French, Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin, Biblical Hebrew, and Biblical Greek.
He was appointed an Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977 and later appointed Prefect of Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1982.
And finally, in 2005 he was elected as the 265th Pope of the Vatican with his pontifical name Pope Benedict XVI at the age of 78.
Controversial Remarks of Pope Benedict XVI
About Islam
Pope Benedict XVI in his 12 September 2006 speech at the University of Regensburg in Germany he said controversial things about Islam.
Many Islamic clerics and Muslim Leaders opposed that statement and in 2008 during his Turkey visit he apologized for his remarks and meet with many Muslim leaders and pray at Turkey Blue Mosque.
Pope Benedict XVI Praying at Turkey Blue Mosque
Indigenous American Beliefs
Pope again generate controversy in Brazil with his statement that the indigenous population wanted catholicism in their life which was brought to them by colonizers.
Later in his audience, he condemned the violence and oppression against the indigenous population by colonizers but didn’t make any apology.
Disagree with Homosexuals
Pope Benedict XVI always advocated against homosexuality. According to his belief, it is against God’s creation and the Relationship between Men and Women should be Respected homosexual men should be protected from self-destruction.
Many prominent LBTQ activists criticize the Pope’s remark.
LGBTQ groups such as Italian Arcigay and German LSVD found Pope’s remark homophobic.
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Pope Benedict XVI Support for Human Causes
Migrants and Refugees
In 2007 annual observance of World Day for Migrants and refugees urge the approval of International conventions and Policies that defend all migrants including refugees, exiles, and evacuees.
He was a noted speaker for migrants’ rights. He promoted UN events World Refugee Day.
Nuclear Energy
Pope Benedict XVI always supported nuclear disarmament and wanted a beneficial use of nuclear energy to support humanity.
On the 50th foundation day of the International Atomic Energy Agency, he said “The Holy See, fully approving of the IAEA’s goal, has been a member from the organisation’s foundation and continues to support its activity.”
A Voice Against the Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church
Pope Benedict XVI was known for his strict actions against sexual abusers inside the church. Many of those cases against Cardinals and other church persons who are charged with sexual abuse were handled by him very carefully.
He called those people a Filth of church.
Pope Benedict XVI left the world today but his works toward humanity will always be remembered.
Twitter Paying Tribute to Pope Benedict XVI
Saddened by the passing away of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who devoted his entire life to the Church and the teachings of Lord Christ. He will be remembered for his rich service to society. My thoughts are with the millions around the world who grieve his passing.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 31, 2022
The 95-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday at 9:34 AM in his residence at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery.https://t.co/KU33x2ZI70
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) December 31, 2022
I am saddened to learn of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
He was a great theologian whose UK visit in 2010 was an historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our country.
My thoughts are with Catholic people in the UK and around the world today.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) December 31, 2022