On April 19, 2005, the cardinal electors elected Cardinal Dean Joseph Ratzinger to succeed Pope John Paul II, who died on April 2, 2005. The 265. Successor of St. Peter took the name Benedict XVI. Worldwide, the news triggered great approval and recognition, especially in Germany also joy and hopes. After 482 years, there was once again a German on the chair of Peter.
Benedict is not only the name of the new pope, but also a program. Translated, benedictus means “the blessed one”. With the decision for this name, the Pope signaled which traditions he wants to continue. The name first recalls the great religious, the father of Western monasticism and patron saint of Europe, St. Benedict, and the “Ora et labora – pray and work” he laid down in the Benedictine Rule.
A historic event – On February 11, 2013, Pope Benedict unexpectedly announced his resignation from the office of Pope and Bishop of Rome, effective February 28, 2013. That a pontiff does not leave office by death has not occurred since 1294. He justified the resignation with his advanced age and the associated dwindling strength. Dec. 31, 2022. the passing of the Pope was announced. (Source: bistum-passau.de)
If you want to commemorate the death of Pope Benedict XVI, there are these works, dedicated to the deceased. Tonaufnahmen finden Sie auf musicainfo.radio in der Playlist Papst Benedikt zum Gedenken
