CLEVELAND — Cleveland Bishop Edward Malesic is asking for parishes within the diocese to offer a Mass this weekend for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI following his death.
"I am requesting that all diocesan parishes pray for and offer a Mass for Pope Benedict and that parochial schools immediately offer prayers for the deceased Pontiff," said Bishop Malesic in a statement.
Bishop Malesic will offer Saturday night's 4:30 p.m. Mass and the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. John's Cathedral for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict.
Both of the masses will be streamed live from the Diocese of Cleveland's website.
Pope Benedict passed away on Saturday, just days after Pope Francis called for prayers for Benedict, stating that he was "very sick."
The full statement from Cleveland Bishop Edward Malesic can be read below:
"The death of any pope is a time of sadness for the Church universal. The death of our Holy Father, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, is surely a time of intense grief for our local Church. Yet it is also a time of hopeful expectation as we place our trust in the Lord who promises the kingdom of God and the resurrection of the body for those who have followed him in this life. The faithful witness of his life and ministry, his theological and spiritual writings, and his almost hidden and prayerful example in recent years have provided the Church with a rich legacy. As such, the death of Pope Benedict XVI invites us to enter a time of remembrance and prayer. We pray for the repose of his soul and for the forgiveness of his sins so that he might see God face to face in the beatific vision of heaven.
I am requesting that all diocesan parishes pray for and offer a Mass for Pope Benedict and that parochial schools immediately offer prayers for the deceased Pontiff. I will offer today’s 4:30 p.m. Mass and tomorrow’s 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. John’s Cathedral for the repose of the soul of the deceased Pope, and the Feast of Holy Mary Mother of God. I invite the clergy, religious, and faithful of the diocese to join me in praying for the repose of the Pope Emeritus’ soul.
On the day of Pope Benedict’s funeral, Thursday, January 5, Bishop Martin Amos will celebrate a Mass for the Dead at the Cathedral at Noon. Please announce this to your parish community and invite the faithful to participate in this memorial Mass for Pope Benedict XVI."