SAN DIEGO — The following is a statement from Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, from the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, regarding the death early Dec. 31 of retired Pope Benedict XVI:
“The death of Pope Benedict is a moment of both sadness and gratitude. In faith we know that he goes to the loving embrace of the God whom he had served with sacrifice and courage, brilliance and wisdom, humility and kindness for his entire life.
“He was a theologian of immense depth, a caring pastor and a prayerful servant who unswervingly sought to follow the pathway to which God was calling him.
“In loving Jesus Christ he brought grace to the Church and ennobled our world.”
