"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". With these words Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican Press Office, gave the news of Benedict XVI's return to the House of the Father.
Br Massimo Fusarelli, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, expressed his condolences on behalf of the entire Order:
“The Order of Friars Minor joins in the sorrow for the loss of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, while recognising the gift he has been for the Church and the world, and particularly appreciates his closeness to Franciscan shrines and Franciscan theology, especially through his research on St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, Seraphic Doctor. May the Lord welcome his good and faithful servant and make his long mission in the service of God's people and humanity bear fruit.”
In the general audience of Wednesday 28 December, Pope Francis had addressed the faithful asking for prayers for Pope Emeritus, due to his worsening health condition: "I would like to ask all of you," he said at the end of the greetings in Italian, "for a special prayer, for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is supporting the Church. Remember him, he is very ill, asking the Lord to console him, and support him in this witness of love for the Church, until the end."
Melania Bruno
