Cardinal Stafford on Pope Benedict XVI: ‘Here was a true disciple’

Pope Benedict XVI. Photo by Thomas Serafin/CNA

In honor of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s death, Cardinal James Francis Stafford has released statement remembering the pope. Cardinal Stafford participated in the conclave in which Pope Benedict XVI was elected pope in 2005.

“Pope Benedict XVI was dedicated to the mystery of Jesus of Nazareth,” the cardinal said. “He wrote about Jesus, ‘Whoever sees Jesus sees the Father.’ This was the climactic teaching of the Holy Father in one of his last publications, the trilogy, Jesus of Nazareth.

“In afternoon walks in the Vatican Gardens I sometimes encountered Pope Benedict. I thought that here was a true disciple ‘who walks with Jesus and is thus caught up with Him into communion with God.’ May he rest in peace!”