Hyderabad: Church bells across the Archbishop of Hyderabad tolled at 2.30 p.m. on Thursday in honour of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, whose funeral was held at St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
Archbishop of Hyderabad Anthony Poola, who was named Cardinal by Pope Francis last year, attended the final rites and expressed his grief while remembering Pope Benedict XVI's works for the betterment of humanity and peace during his lifetime. Approximately two lakh faithful paid their respects to the former Pope, who departed on New Year's Eve at the age of 95.
"The Catholic community in Hyderabad mourned the Pope's departure. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI devoted his life to serving his faith, and my prayers are with Catholics all across the world, as well as all those who mourn his passing,” said Fr Raju Alex, deputy secretary of the Telugu Catholic Bishops council. He characterised Pope Benedict XVI as a gifted theologian and philosopher who has inspired millions.
Benedict was born in a small village in Germany’s Bavaria in 1927 and took over as Pope of the Catholic Church in 2005, succeeding Pope John Paul II. He was a well-known theologian and enforcer of Catholic doctrine who acquired the moniker "God's Rottweiler" for his relentless pursuit of those he deemed erroneous.
