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Jan 24

January 24, 2023: Real Presence Radio Interviews Father Kunst about His Time in Rome during the Death of Pope Benedict XVI

Real Presence Radio Interview of Father Richard Kunst
January 24, 2023:
“The Privilege of Being in Rome at the Time of Pope Benedict XVI’s Death”

Father Richard Kunst
January 2, 2023

I am privileged to be in Rome at the time of the death of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI having traveled after Christmas with a group of pilgrims.

We arrived in St. Peter’s Square two hours before the opening at 9:00 am and took part in a very solemn and prayerful vigil.  I was also interviewed by several media outlets, one of which is featured below.

This is not a sad vigil for the Pope, but one of reverence and a strong sense of history.

May you rest in peace, Pope Benedict XVI, and may perpetual light shine upon.

Jan. 2, 2023: Pope Benedict XVI Lying in State

The Signed Photograph to Which Father Kunst  Refers in the Interview
Monsignor Georg Ratzinger’s 90th Birthday Party & Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Two Brothers

The photograph is an orginal with autographs of Pope Benedict XVI and his brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger.  The photo was taken by the Vatican on the occasion of Msgr. Georg Ratzinger’s 90th birthday.

The seller of this photograph helped to organize a concert to celebrate his birthday.  As a gift, she received this truly one of a kind item.

Some of the Artifacts Father Kunst Referred to in the Interview

Vatican News
Transferring the Body for Public Viewing

One of several media outlets interviewing Father Kunst

Jan. 2, 2023: BBC & Fr. Richard Kunst

By Aleem Maqbool in the Vatican and Elsa Maishman in London

BBC News

Tens of thousands of people are expected to pay their respects to former Pope Benedict XVI at his lying in state in the Vatican.

He died on New Year’s Eve at the age of 95, almost a decade after he stood down because of ill health.

Pope Francis will preside over Thursday’s funeral – the first time a Pope will be buried by his successor.

As dawn broke over the Vatican, a queue was already forming at the edge of St Peter’s Square.

At the very front was Father Alfredo Elnar, 30, from the Philippines. He said he had studied and admired the theological writings of the former pontiff, and spoke of an emptiness since his death.

A little further back, Sister Marianna Patricevic, a nun from Croatia, talked of how grateful she was for all the late pope had done – saying there was not a subject she studied at university where they did not discuss his views

 

Father Richard Kunst, visiting from the US, said when he passes the Pope’s body, he would pray for him – but also for a miracle to help a friend at home who is dying of cancer.

 

Benedict XVI became the first Pope to resign in 600 years in 2013, citing ailing health.

His body will be displayed for three days in an open casket at St Peter’s Basilica, with people allowed to pay their respects until 7pm each evening.

The Voice of Pope Benedict XVI on His Album, Alma Mater: The Closing Tract: Regina Coeli

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