January 5, 2023 — St. Peter’s Square. After Archbishop Georg Gänswein has placed the Gospel and kissed the coffin, the Funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, presided over by Pope Francis, begins. One hundred-thirty cardinals, 400 bishops and 3,700 priests participated (Photos Grzegorz Galazka)
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s last words were “Lord, I love you.” His longtime secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, reported that he was told this by the nurse attending the dying Pope Emeritus in the early morning of December 31, 2022; Benedict died just hours later.
“Benedict XVI, with a faint voice but in a very distinct way, said in Italian, ‘Lord, I love you,’’’ Gänswein told the Vatican’s official media, adding that it happened when the aides tending to Benedict were changing shifts.
“I wasn’t there at that moment, but the nurse a little later recounted it,’’ the archbishop said. “They were his last comprehensible words, because afterwards, he wasn’t able to express himself any more.”
And so, with a final declaration of love for his Lord, Pope Benedict left behind his long life dedicated to fostering that same love among all the souls of the entire world.
January 2 and 3, 2023 — St. Peter’s Basilica. The body of Pope Benedict XVI lies in state for two days, during which thousands of faithful pay their respects (Photos Grzegorz Galazka)
Jan. 5, 2023 – Outside the Basilica. Pope Francis presides over the solemn funeral of the Pope Emeritus, celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals (Photos Grzegorz Galazka)
Jan. 31, 2023 – Vatican Grottoes. In this exclusive photo by Grzegorz Galazka, Archbishop Georg Gänswein celebrates Holy Mass at the tomb of Pope Benedict XVI one month after his death
Facebook Comments