Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had a special place in the heart of CL communities in Australia and New Zealand. The ‘beloved pope emeritus’, to use the words of Pope Francis, was a guide and inspiration to us for ten years as Pope and for many years before that through his writings and his friendship with Father Giussani.

When Benedict came to Sydney for World Day 2008, young people – and not so young – who lived the CL friendship in different parts of the world came together to live those days of grace. It was so special to see the Pope sailing into Sydney Harbour to the sound of the didgeridoo and then hear him admit that he had found the long flight ‘somewhat daunting’! And who can forget the walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge? or the twilight meeting at Randwick racecourse when a quarter of a million people followed his example and knelt together in silence before the Blessed Sacrament?

The communities of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth came together on several occasions to send greetings to Pope Benedict – during a national vacation, or at the beginning of Advent. He always replied, with a message that was direct and personal.

Here is his response to a message in Advent 2007.



We remember with deep gratitude Benedict’s reminder about ‘the beauty of being Christian and the joy of communicating it’. We join with Pope Francis in praying for Pope Benedict, ‘may your joy be complete as you hear his voice, now and forever!’