Cardinal Angelo de Donatis, Vicar of the Roman Diocese of the Pope, renewed the memory of the late Pope Benedict XVI in the Basilica of San Giovanni Lateran in Rome on January 12th.
Fr. Jinu Jacob, Vatican City
The Pope, who is the head of the Catholic Church, also holds the position of Bishop of the Roman Diocese. Since the death of Pope Benedict XVI is also the death of the previous bishop of the Roman Diocese, the diocesan family held special prayers on the evening of January 12th in the Cathedral of San Giovanni Lateran Basilica of the Diocese of Rome under the lead of Archbishop Cardinal Angelo de Donatis.
On the occasion, the Cardinal specifically recalled the commendable contributions made by Pope Benedict XVI to the Roman Diocese. The Cardinal thanked the Pope for leading the Roman Diocese through his example of life and pastoral ministry in the first part of the Gospel message and then went on to explain the Gospel part read that day by Benedict XVI himself. Benedict XVI’s interpretation of this passage is that Jesus heals the lepers who were condemned by society to reveal God’s love that burns above all evil.
The cardinal recalled that Pope Benedict XVI was the person who taught us the love of God by holding our hands. The cardinal also said that his last words ‘God I love you’ are a reflection of this God-oriented life. The Cardinal added that the Pope, who through his modesty and respect, was a role model for the Roman Diocese, delivered a message at the Lateran Basilica on the occasion of his assumption of office.
“Those who assume the position as successors of Peter must always realize their unworthiness and helplessness. In this pastoral ministry, Jesus gives himself to us. The Church is regenerated once more by the power of the Holy Eucharist. The Church is the Eucharistic community.”
