Catholic Diocese of Greensburg honors late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI with special mass
GREENSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) -- As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lies in state at the Vatican after passing away on Saturday at the age of 95, people across the world are remembering him.
Churchgoers filled the pews at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg for a special mass on Monday.
"We're gathering with millions of Catholics around the world to pray for the repose of the soul of the Pope Emeritus," said Catholic Diocese of Greensburg Bishop Larry Kulick.
Bishop Kulick said he actually had the chance to meet him.
"What always was amazing to me was his eyes," said Bishop Kulick. "Even when you see video clips, you'll see that he'll look and you could just tell Pope Benedict saw everything. Nothing got past him."
Bishop Kulick also said he was a great musician and linguist, and at times, shy.
"He was a man who brought truly not his desire but really what he believed was his obligation to the greater church," said Bishop Kulick. "But the other thing that really always stands out to me, especially when you're in church, is he was a man of tremendous service."
Bishop Kulick and other Catholics also admire Pope Benedict for his humility and dedication.
"I would say he was a good man," said Katie Zuzik, who is a pastoral associate at the church. "I've come to really appreciate what a great theologian he was and how much he has added to the clarity of the teachings of the church."
However, others remember Pope Benedict for his problematic past, specifically how he handled four clergy sex abuse cases as the archbishop of Munich. Afterward, Pope Benedict asked for forgiveness for any grievous faults but denied any wrongdoing.
Bishop Kulick said Pope Benedict faced many challenges and led the church through great periods of transition.
"We look back, but really he began tremendous reforms that continue, he really, in many ways when it came to understanding church law and modifying church law to address this was revolutionary," said Bishop Kulick.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became the 265th Pope in 2005, replacing Pope John Paul II. And in 2013, he became the first in 600 years to step down instead of ruling for life, saying he was too old to carry on his duties.
Pope Francis paid tribute to Benedict on Sunday.
"We are moved as we recall him as such a noble person, so kind and we feel such gratitude in our hearts, gratitude for god for giving him to the church and to the world," Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis will preside over Benedict's funeral on Thursday.
The Vatican says the funeral would be simple, solemn and sober, following Benedict's wishes and says that he will be laid to rest in the Vatican Grottoes, beneath the church, where more than 90 popes have found their final resting place.
His remains will be on public display for the next few days for people to offer their final farewells.
The Diocese of Pittsburgh also will hold a special mass for Pope Benedict on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Saint Paul Cathedral.