On behalf of the faithful of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, I offer my condolences to Pope Francis and join with Christians around the world who are mourning the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. According to news reports from the Vatican, he passed away this morning at his residence in the Vatican.

Today, the Bishops of Canada join Pope Francis and all the People of God in mourning the loss of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and thank God for his life of humble and dedicated service. Benedict XVI leaves behind a great legacy of teaching that will continue to inspire us, both through the three encyclicals he wrote and through the many public speeches he delivered throughout the world as Supreme Pontiff. Pope Benedict XVI, “Cardinal Ratzinger”, served as a faithful and sure guide of Catholic doctrine in his various offices with the Holy See.