The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who served as Supreme Pontiff from April 2005 to February 2013, has died aged 95.

Bishop Philip Egan, the Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth, has said:

“It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI this morning. The Church has lost an inspirational shepherd. The Pope’s passing is a great loss both for the Catholic community and for humanity as a whole.   During his long and intense life of service as a spiritual leader and statesman, Benedict demonstrated a unique and inspiring moral authority to the world.

I offer my deepest condolences to all Catholics in our Diocese and to those all around the world who have been touched and inspired by his life.”

A Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of the late Pope Emeritus will be celebrated in St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth, in the coming days.

Recent Posts

  • A message to Jersey In light of the tragedies over the last week, written to Canon Dominic Golding and the people of Jersey. Dear Canon Dominic, I was shocked and [...]

  • From 1 December 2022 to 31 January 2023, donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £ 1.5 million. Today, we face [...]

  • Continuing our Diocesan series for the website called, “Parish Unsung Heroes,” based on people who do things which demonstrate all the good things our faith stands for and live the [...]

  • The annual Closer to Christ Campaign (CTC) Mass of Thanksgiving was held at the Cathedral last week. It provided a chance to thank all those priests and parishioners who have [...]