A prayer for the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

The 95-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 at 9:34 a.m. at his residence at the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. Feel free to join in praying this prayer 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 among the priests in the life of your kindgom.

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.

Amen.