As most of you are aware, Pope Benedict stunned the world when he announced his resignation as pope in February of 2013.  From March 13, 2013 when Pope Francis was named his successor until December 31, 2022, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI resided in Rome.  In a very rare instance, on Thursday, January 5, 2023, one pope, Pope Francis will preside over the funeral of a retired pope, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.  Our diocese along with many other dioceses throughout the World will continue the ritual of mourning for nine days following the funeral Mass.  We will continue to pray for him in our petitions at Mass; we will offer a Mass of Remembrance at Sacred Heart at 10am on Saturday January 14 and the students will come together to pray the rosary, as every Catholic school in our diocese has been instructed to do.   Please see the link attached for Bishop Shawn McKnight’s letter on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.  Mourning the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI