Statement by Archbishop Aymond on the death of Benedict XVI

 Dear Brothers in Christ:

As you have heard in the news, Pope Emeritus
Benedict XVI died this morning in Rome.

As we experience his death, we thank God for his
faithful life of leadership and humble service in our church.

Please ask the people of our Archdiocese to
remember him in prayer at all Masses this weekend.

Well done good and faithful servant. May he be
embraced by Jesus, the Good Shepherd, whom he made present to us in his
ministry as our pope.

The USCCB has offered the following suggestions
for special petitions offered in the Universal Prayer. Please feel free to use
one of these for Masses this weekend.

− That Pope (Emeritus) Benedict XVI, called to the
heavenly kingdom by the Lord,
may rejoice forever at the banquet table of
heaven, we pray to the Lord.
− That Pope (Emeritus) Benedict XVI, who served
the Church as Supreme Pontiff for
eight years, may worship God for ever in the
liturgy of heaven, we pray to the Lord.
− That the tireless efforts of Pope (Emeritus)
Benedict XVI, now called to the Lord,
may bear fruit in unity, peace and love among all
men and women, we pray to the
Lord.
− For Pope (Emeritus) Benedict XVI, who preached
that God is love and that we are
saved in hope, that he may know God’s love forever
in heaven, we pray to the Lord.

Wishing you God's blessings, I am

Fraternally in Christ,

Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans