Today, we’re going to talk about a special person named Pope Benedict XVI. It’s been a whole year since he passed away, and people all over the world are remembering him with love and gratitude.
Pope Benedict : Two Popes, One Celebration
Pope Benedict XVI was unique because he was the first pope to retire in 600 years! Can you imagine? Even though he’s not with us anymore, Pope Francis, the current pope, wants to celebrate the love and wisdom Pope Benedict shared with everyone.
Love and Wisdom Shine Bright
Imagine if you had a friend who was really good at sharing love and wisdom. That’s exactly what Pope Francis said about Pope Benedict. He thanked everyone for feeling so much love and admiration for him. It’s like giving a big round of applause to someone you really, really like!
A Pope Emeritus’s Restful Place
Pope Benedict didn’t just retire and go away. He spent his last years in a special place called a Vatican monastery. It’s like a quiet and peaceful home for someone as special as a pope emeritus. And guess what? He lived to be 95 years old!
Pope Benedict :Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica
When Pope Benedict’s passed away, they didn’t just say goodbye. They buried him in a super special place called the grottoes underneath St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s like a secret underground spot where important people rest.
Pope Benedict : Why Do Popes Retire?
You might be wondering, why did Pope Benedict retire? Well, he felt it was time for someone else to take care of the big job of being a pope. It’s like when you finish playing with your toys, and it’s time to let someone else have a turn.
Hope for Sainthood
Pope Benedict’s private secretary, who was like his helper and friend, has a big dream. He hopes that one day, people will think Pope Benedict was so amazing that they might declare him a saint. Saints are like superheroes in the world of the Catholic Church!
Saying Goodbye to a Pope
When someone we love passes away, we feel a bit sad. But remembering all the good things they did helps us feel happy too. Pope Francis is reminding everyone to keep the memory of Pope Benedict’s alive with joy.
St. Peter’s Square Applause
Imagine being in a big square, like a giant open space with lots of people. That’s St. Peter’s Square. When Pope Francis asked for applause, it’s like everyone clapping their hands to say, “Yay, Pope Benedict was awesome!”
Love and Gratitude for Pope Benedict’s’
Even if we’re just little kids, we can understand that love and gratitude are really important. It’s like when someone shares their toys with us, and we say, “Thank you!” Pope Benedict’s shared his love and wisdom with the world, and people are saying a big “Thank you” to him.
Keeping Pope Benedict’s Love Alive
In the end, today is not just about saying goodbye. It’s about keeping the love and wisdom of Pope Benedict’s alive in our hearts. Just like when we remember our favorite stories, we can remember the kindness of Pope Benedict’s and be happy that he was part of our world.
