Bishop Caggiano’s Statement on the passing of Pope Benedict
This is the time for our diocese to unite in prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict XVI and for the entire Church on the loss of this great and holy man.
Pope Benedict will be remembered for his love of the Church, intellectual brilliance, and profound humility. We were blessed by his leadership as one of the great teachers of the Church in our own age. His work as a writer and theologian will continue to inform generations, and his example as our Holy Father is a legacy of reverence, kindness and compassion.
Many in our diocese and the greater New York area remember Pope Benedict’s 2008 visit to the United States, and the joyful pilgrimage they made to Yankee Stadium for the historic Mass with him. Throughout his brief but impactful papacy, he sought to heal wounds in the Church, to reach out and honor other faiths, to advocate for the poor and vulnerable across the globe, and to preach the eternal truths that govern our existence and lead us to Our Savior.
As priests throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport remember Pope Benedict XVI at Mass and in their prayers, I ask all to join in this moment of gratitude for his faithful leadership and to re-commit to the unity of the Church, which he so desired in his life and ministry. Even in his final suffering, he prayed to sustain the Church so that we may be one in Christ and in our loving witness to the dignity of all life. May God grant him eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon him.
– Bishop Frank Caggiano (12/31/2022)
Bishop Caggiano will celebrate a Diocesan Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 7:00 PM at Saint Matthew Church in Norwalk.
