After the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the Catalan church through the Episcopal Conference of Tarragona, the archbishoprics of Barcelona and Tarragona and other dioceses, recalled that the pope consecrated the Sagrada Familia.
Benedict XVI in his visit to Spain in 2010, consecrated the Basilica of Barcelona and now with his death, left a deep mark on Catholics according to the Episcopal Conference.
For his part, Cardinal Joan Omella, Archbishop of Barcelona and director of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, recalled that during the eight years of his pontificate, Benedict XVI visited Spain on three occasions.
In one of his visits he approved the largest beatification in history when he proclaimed 498 Spaniards blessed.
The pope who consecrated the Holy Family
The Archbishopric of Barcelona recalled the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in Barcelona on November 6 and 7, 2010. On those dates and 128 after the laying of the foundation stone of the church, the pope consecrated the Holy Family.
Archbishops and bishops have been joining the message of condolences and sent Pope Francis their heartfelt condolences for the death of Pope Emeritus Joseph Ratzinger.
Condolences were extended to his family and loved ones.
Benedict XVI died last December 31, 2022 at the age of 95 at the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae monastery where he had been a permanent resident since his historic resignation from the pontificate in 2013.
Pope Francis recently made known the serious deterioration of the Pope Emeritus’ health.
The Archbishop of Tarragona, Joan Planellas, asked for prayers and Eucharist to the clergy and parishioners, for the eternal rest of Pope Benedict.
Wakes and funeral
The body of Benedict XVI was laid to rest at St. Peter’s Basilica at 9:30 a.m. local time on Monday, January 2.
His body was there until today so that the faithful could have space to say goodbye.
The funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be held today, Thursday, January 5, 2023, in St. Peter’s Basilica and the liturgical act will be officiated by Pope Francis.
According to the late pope’s official biographer, German journalist Peter Seewald, revealed a couple of years ago that Benedict XVI wanted to be buried in the tomb of John Paul II in St. Peter’s crypt.
In fact, this tomb has been empty since John Paul II’s coffin was moved to a side chapel for his beatification in 2011.
On the other hand, official Vatican sources indicated that the customary rite for the funerals of popes will be respected, since Ratzinger was pope.
The essential difference is that at present there is an incumbent pope who will be in charge of presiding over the funeral ceremony.
