TACLOBAN CITY-The death of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI sent sadness and sorrow to Catholic faithful here in the region.
The social accounts of the Archdiocese of Leyte headed by Archbishop John Du and the dioceses of Calbayog, Borongan, Catarman, Maasin and Biliran posted a photo of the late German pope offering their prayers.
The late Pontiff appointed Archbishop Du on Feb. 25, 2012.
And in a statement, Bishop Crispin Varquez of the Borongan Diocese said that the entire diocese joins all the Catholic faithful in sorrow and mourning on the death of ‘beloved’ Pope Benedict XVI.
He also said that he will forever be grateful to Benedict for appointing him to his post in 2007.
“The Diocese of Borongan joins all the Catholic faithful in sorrow and mourning as our beloved Pope Benedict XVI returned peacefully to our Creator today December 31, 2022; and also joins in thanksgiving and celebration of his life well lived and fully devoted to the service of God and the Church,” Varquez said in a statement released hours after the Vatican confirmed the passing of the former pope.
“On a personal note, I am grateful for the trust given to me by the Holy Father who appointed me as Bishop of Borongan in the year 2007. May he receive his heavenly reward in the company of our Lord and all the saints,” he added.
Pope Benedict XVI died on New Year’s eve at the age of 95 and is scheduled to be buried on Thursday.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
