The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the entire Catholic Community in the country express heartfelt condolences on the passing on of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on 31 December 2022. The Church in Zimbabwe grieves and gives thanks to God for the life of Pope Benedict. In solidarity with Pope Francis and the universal Church we acknowledge the loss of a great theologian, leader and a faithful servant of the Gospel. The late Pope Emeritus transformed the Church in many ways. He immensely contributed towards the growth of the Catholic Church. His theological reflections, and his social teachings reached far and wide and impacted all people of good will.
Benedict XVI will be remembered in history as one of the towering figures in the twentieth-century, a great contributor towards the civilization of our world. In his life he championed the values of the Gospel. He dared to be different and championed the truths of faith. He defended and promoted human dignity, upholding human rights and calling for justice. He tackled the evils of our world head-on and exposed the lies inherent in some of our loved and cherished vices. He was unwavering in speaking against moral relativism, hedonism and secularism.
The late Pope Benedict XVI leaves behind a legacy of servant leadership and great love for the Church. In his prime years he went far and wide proclaiming the Gospel. When his health failed him, he accompanied the Church with his prayers as a silent pilgrim. He spent the last days of his life in anticipation of his meeting with God the Father whom he loved and served so well. We pray that what he longed for in life may be given to him in death. May his hope in God that spurred him on be fulfilled and may Almighty God in his mercy grant him eternal rest.
+Paul Horan, O.Carm
Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference
President