I was saddened to learn of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. I have read the published works of this theologian and shepherd throughout my service as priest and bishop, and have been formed by his scholarship, his insights of the mystery of God, revealed in and through Christ the Lord. I urge our clergy, our consecrated men and women and all of our lay faithful to offer your hearts in love during this period of prayer for the repose of his soul.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was an extraordinary Servant of the Servants of God. As a priest and theologian, he desired to know the Lord and to make Him known to us. In his teachings, he worked to emphasize God’s love and mercy for each of us. As Holy Father, Pope Benedict reminded us that at the center of our faith is a Person, Jesus of Nazareth, our Savior.

In the coming years, much more will be said about him. For now, let us all unite our prayers and celebrations of the Holy Eucharist for the joyful repose of this kind and gentle Shepherd who gave his life in the praise of God and served the Church as Supreme Pontiff for eight years.

I encourage Holy Masses to be celebrated for the repose of the soul of Benedict XVI in our parishes and missions. Also appropriate are devotions such as the Holy Rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer in Church and acts of charity in memory of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. I urge our School leadership to share various prayers with our students for the peace, comfort and eternal rest of Pope Benedict.

I also offer a prayer you may wish to pray with family and friends in the following days:

O Lord, we thank you for the long life of your humble servant, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. As we honor the life of Pope Benedict, please continue to guide your Church in the ways of love and mercy. May perpetual light shine upon him and may his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

On this Octave Day of Christmas, this Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Mother of the Church, may the Lord God bless you and keep you in His peace, and may the love of Christ the Lord anoint you anew day by day, during the coming year. I am yours

In the light and love of the Lord,

Most Reverend David P. Talley, M.S.W., J.C.D.

Sixth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis