Filipino and Korean Bishops’ Conferences offer their condolence for the late Pope Benedict XVI

The Filipino and Korean Bishops’ Conferences offered their condolences over the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on December 31.

The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David of Kalookan published a statement of condolences for the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on December 31.

In the statement, Bishop David said, “If Pope Francis is known as the Pope of Mercy and Joy, Pope Benedict will be remembered as the Pope of Charity. He began his episcopacy with a profoundly theological encyclical entitled DEUS CARITAS EST (God is Love).”

CBCP President pointed out some charisms of the late Pope Emeritus as a great theologian, catechist, and musician.

“He spent the last years of his life as an emeritus pope in solitude and contemplation, supporting the universal Church and Pope Francis spiritually with his prayers,” the statement read.

Bishop David invited all to commend the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to the Lord and pray for his eternal repose.

The bishop thanked all those “who accompanied him in prayer and offered special Mass intentions for his peaceful passage into eternal life.”

The CBCP President said that they would remember the late Pope, especially those among the bishops whom the late Pope appointed to the episcopal ministry.

The late Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop David to be a bishop in July 2006.

The bishop prayed, “Eternal rest grant unto Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. Requiescat in pace. Amen.”

Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila Archdiocese led the prayer for the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI before his New Year’s Eve Mass at the Manila Cathedral on December 31.

The Manila Cathedral opened its Christ the King Chapel for the faithful who want to offer prayers for the late pope emeritus.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea (CBCK) published a statement of mourning for the death of Pope Benedict XVI on December 31.

The CBCK President Bishop Matthias Lee Yong Hoon said in a statement on Saturday, "Korean bishops remember that the former Pope Benedict XVI prayed for the unity of the Korean people and reunification of separated families, and also praised and encouraged Korean missionaries and laymen during his regular visits to the Apostolic Church."

Pope Benedict wrote to former President Roh Moo-hyun of Korea on February 11, 2007, "For over fifty years, the Korean people have suffered the consequences of division. Families have been split; close relatives have been separated from one another.”

“Please let them know that I am spiritually close to them in their suffering. On compassionate grounds, I pray for a speedy solution to the problem which impedes so many from communicating with one another," Pope Benedict added.

The CBCK President described that Korean bishops and all believers prayed so that the former Pope Benedict XVI would enjoy eternal rest and peace in the Lord's arms.

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul Archdiocese will host a memorial place for the people to pay tribute to the late pope until 5:30 p.m. on January 4 at Myeongdong Cathedral.