Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria has joined other world leaders in mourning the death of Pope Benedict XVI.
“Today we received the sad news of the transit to the house of our heavenly Father of our beloved Pope Emeritus Benedict. We received a few days ago the news of his ailing health from Pope Francis, asking for prayers for him.”
“His health has indeed been deteriorating and while still sad in his demise, we feel that God has embraced him resting him from more earthly pain. The entire Catholic Church feels this loss, as we also condole and pray for Pope Francis who counted often on the support of the Emeritus Pope.”
Muheria eulogized Benedict XVI as a Prefect of the Dicastery of Doctorine and Faith.
“His election as Pope was not surprising, as a very close collaborator to Pope John Paul II. But what was surprising is the appearance of his true character and self, away from what was often portrayed by the media. Due to his diligence and strict care on the truth of the faith, as the Prefect of the dicastery of Doctrine and Faith, he was often represented as harsh and severe.”
Muheria recalled his meeting with Benedict XVI, lauding his humility and simple life.
“I had a number of occasions as a bishop to interact and meet with Pope Benedict, and he was a most pleasant, humble or and simple person. His approach was always very respectful in spite of his great intellectual calibre. To me, on the various occasions I had with him, he came across as a loving and caring father.”
Pope Benedict XVI served the Catholic Church with great faithfulness and dedication in many offices: As lecturer and later professor of Theology in University of Munich; as an expert in the Second Vatican Council; as Archbishop of Munich; as Prefect of the Dicastery of Doctrine and Faith and finally as Pope for over eight years.
He emphasized in his papacy the importance of the doctrinal clarity and commitment to Christ.
He helped the deepening of liturgy and urged the rediscovery of Christian roots and values especially in Europe.
His great love for the Eucharist stands out among many of his special contributions. I still pride myself of the Episcopal ring with a Eucharistic theme, that he gifted us, after the Bishops Synod on the Eucharist in 2005.
“We pray for his soul and commit him to God asking Him to reward him for such a selfless service to God and His Church. A simple soul has flown away to the heavenly nest! Requiescat in Pace! Amen.”
