The Bishop of Killaloe says Pope Benedict’s theological output and the 60 books he wrote will be one of his greatest legacies.
The funeral of the former Pope has taken place in The Vatican today, with the Mass presided over by Pope Francis – a rare moment in the Catholic Church’s history.
Over 130,000 people applauded and bells tolled at the funeral service for former pope, Benedict the 16th.
The German died on Saturday at the age of 95 and was the first Pope in 600 years to resign from the post.
The Archbishops of Armagh and Dublin, Eamon Martin and Dermot Farrell represented the Irish Catholic Church at today’s ceremony led by Pope Franics.
He stood alone as he blessed the coffin, which has been buried in a crypt beneath St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
Speaking through a translator, Pope Francis led the congregation in prayer.
The Bishop of Killaloe has described it as a dignified ceremony on a sad day.
Bishop Fintan Monahan says though Pope Benedict was controversial and divisive in many ways, he gave great service and leadership over his eight years as head of the Catholic Church.
Bishop Monahan says among Pope Benedict’s legacies will be that his theological work will be studied for generations to come and that he’s now set a modern precedent for a pope to retire.
