Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI – may he rest in peace

We give thanks for the life and ministry of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, following the announcement of his death on 31 December. Pope Benedict led the Church with gentle humility, warmth and scholarship from 2005 until 2013. The De Lisle community joins with people all over the world in praying for the repose of his soul.

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 for ever in heaven.

In your wise and loving care,
you made your servant teacher of all your Church.
He did the work of Christ on earth.

May your Son welcome him into eternal glory.

May your servant whom you appointed high priest of your flock
be counted now amongst the priests in the life of your kingdom.

Give your servant the reward of eternal happiness
and let your mercy win for us the gift of your life and love.

We entrust your servant to your mercy with faith and confidence.
In the human family he was an instrument of your peace and love.

May he rejoice in those gifts for ever with your saints.

Through Christ our Lord,
Amen