The Jesuits in Britain would like to pay tribute to the memory of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

As Pope, he led the global Church through a delicate period, drawing on his faith and his vast theological expertise to provide spiritual sustenance and stability during turbulent times. His historic State visit to Britain in 2010 strengthened the faith of many Catholics here and cemented friendly and fruitful relations between the UK and the Holy See.

The Jesuits have a special, affective bond to the Pope, expressed in a vow of obedience to him in regard to missions. We pray for him in death as in life. Pope Benedict was unfailingly generous in his understanding of our vocation of service to the Church, and for this we will always be grateful.

May he rest in peace.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons, courtesy of the Catholic News Agency of the Bishops' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina