Article by Phoenix writer Sophia Barnjak ’24:
On January 5th, Kellenberg Memorial High School held a prayer service in memory of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict was the head of the Catholic Church from 2005 until his abdication in 2013. He spent his retirement living in prayer in the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo. Unfortunately, he passed December 31st, 2022, at 95 years of age. During his life, he largely impacted many followers of the Catholic Church.
In this prayer service, Fr. Daniel Griffin, SM, explained his experiences with Pope Benedict and spoke of how the Holy Father inspired him while he was on his journey to becoming a religious brother and priest.
Fr. Dan recalled the time when Pope Benedict was first elected as well as the World Youth Day trip in Germany that he attended that year. He explained how Pope Benedict not only loved the youth, but also continued the annual Youth Days, which were started by his predecessor, Pope John Paul II. His continuation of this tradition established it as a part of the Church.
When reflecting on Pope Benedict’s legacy, Mr. Finn said, “Our church has a tradition of passing the faith through the Pope, priests and our families. It is important for us to remember and learn from the people who have come before us so we can continue to bring Catholicism to others.”
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be remembered by many, as he will live on through his contributions to the Catholic Church.