Duluth diocese responds to death of Pope Benedict XVI

The Diocese of Duluth joined the universal church in mourning the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Dec. 31.

Photo courtesy of Father Richard Kunst

As the news was announced, Bishop Daniel Felton sent out a message to the faithful of the diocese announcing the death of the retired pope. “The retired pope was not only one of the preeminent theologians of our time and a Successor of St. Peter but also a shepherd who proclaimed the Christian life to be rooted in an encounter with a person — Jesus — and His love for us, and our way of life one of ongoing friendship with Him.” 

The bishop called to mind the late pope’s many writings, especially the “Jesus of Nazareth” series of three books on the person of Jesus Christ. “I invite you to encounter once again the writings of this gifted theologian and teacher,” the message said. “And I ask you to join with the whole Church in praying for the repose of his soul.” 

Parishes across the diocese prayed for the pope at the beginning of that weekend’s Masses, during the Eucharistic prayer, and during the prayers of the faithful. The bishop also announced he would be celebrating a requiem Mass for the late pope at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Duluth Jan. 5, inviting the clergy and faithful of the diocese to join him or celebrate requiem Masses at their own parishes. 

Father Richard Kunst, pastor of St. James and St. Elizabeth in Duluth, and the curator of the largest collection of papal memorabilia outside of the Vatican, happened to be leading a pilgrimage in Rome and was able to view the body of Pope Benedict XVI and was interviewed by both the BBC and Catholic News Service. Bishop Felton said Father Kunst was able to officially represent himself and the diocese “in this historic moment.” 

Father Kunst told the BBC he was praying for the pope but also for a miracle for a friend at home who is dying of cancer.

Photo courtesy of Father Richard Kunst