It is with sadness that we learned of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who died this morning (December 31, 2022) at 9:34 a.m. (Rome) in his residence at the Vatican. He served as Pope from April 19, 2005 until his resignation on February 28, 2013.
On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, until Thursday, January 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. a book of condolence will be available at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, West Street, for all those who wish to sign it.
A Memorial Mass will be scheduled at a date to be announced.
I invite the Bahamian Roman Catholic community, and indeed the entire Bahamian community, to join the global community in offering the following prayer for Benedict XVI.
A prayer for the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI:
Father, eternal shepherd, hear the prayers of your people for your servant Benedict, who governed your Church with love.
In your mercy, bring him with the flock once entrusted to his care to the reward you have promised your faithful servants.
May he who faithfully administered the mysteries of your forgiveness and love on earth, rejoice with you forever in heaven.
Amen. Vatican News
The funeral for Benedict XVI is scheduled for Thursday, January, 5, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. (Rome time)