Poland: Thanksgiving Mass for Pope Benedict XVI

By Vatican News

A nationwide thanksgiving Mass for the life and pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI has taken place in Warsaw.

The liturgy, on the 7th January, was presided over by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio. In attendance were over 50 bishops from across Poland, government officials, laity, and clergy. 

The homily was delivered by the President of the Polish Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, who stressed that the late Pope was one of the most outstanding theologians of the 20th century and a great witness to the faith. 

He emphasized his commitment to the indissolubility of marriage, the reinforcement of interreligious relations, the cleansing of the Church from the crimes of sexual abuse of minors, and his teaching on the mission and responsibility of the laity in political life.

“Benedict XVI loved Christ with all his life. He was attentive to truth, and knew that it was the foundation of all other Gospel values. He was a great contemporary theologian and witness to the faith," said Archbishop Gądecki.

In closing, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio stressed that Benedict XVI was a collaborator of truth and a master of catechesis and liturgy as a priest, theologian and, later, as the head of the Catholic Church.

"Filled with gratitude for the life of Pope Benedict, today we fulfill his last request: Remember me in prayer. And we do remember," the Apostolic Nuncio said.