King's joins world in mourning Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI
January 4, 2023
King’s joins with the Diocese of London and the Catholic community worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI on December 31, 2022, at the age of 95. Benedict served as Pope from 2005 to 2013.
King’s Campus Ministry offered a Memorial Mass on January 3, 2023 and prayers for Benedict. King’s lowered our flags on December 31, 2021 and they will remain lowered until his funeral, which will take place on January 5, 2023.
Pope Francis will preside over the funeral of the Pope Emeritus at 9:30 CET on January 5, 2023 in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Meanwhile, in London, Ontario, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, C.S.M.A. of the Diocese of London will celebrate a Memorial Mass for Benedict at noon (Eastern Time) at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica. All are welcome. A livestream will be available on the Diocese of London’s website and on their YouTube channel.
Members of the King’s faculty shared their knowledge of the Pope Emeritus as a theologian as well as his life and legacy as Pope.
Dr. Mark Yenson, Associate Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Religious Studies, spoke to The London Free Press, The Catholic Register and CTV News. “His (Benedict’s) theology will remain important and influential, especially regarding the dignity of the human person, political and economic solidarity, and the relationship of faith and culture,” says Dr. Yenson.
Dr. Carolyn Chau, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, spoke to The Catholic Register, stating that Benedict’s “ongoing commitment and concern for the truth is an important legacy,”