Cardinal McElroy’s Statement Upon Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict

(SAN DIEGO, Dec. 31, 2022) —Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, from the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, issued the following statement today regarding retired Pope Benedict XVI, who died Dec. 31:

“The death of Pope Benedict is a moment of both sadness and gratitude. In faith we know that he goes to the loving embrace of the God whom he had served with sacrifice and courage, brilliance and wisdom, humility and kindness for his entire life.

“He was a theologian of immense depth, a caring pastor and a prayerful servant who unswervingly sought to follow the pathway to which God was calling him.

 “In loving Jesus Christ he brought grace to the Church and ennobled our world.”