A Mass of Thanksgiving for the Life of Pope Benedict XVI will be celebrated by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio (papal ambassador) to the United States, on Thursday, Jan. 5, at 12:10 p.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

“We offer prayers for his eternal rest, but also give thanks to God for his 71 years as a priest, his 45 years as a bishop, and his almost eight years as pope,” said Msgr. Walter Rossi, rector of the National Shrine. “With a life of service to the Church and God’s people, may he rest in peace and Our Lady usher him into the presence of her Son.”

Pope Benedict XVI visited the National Shrine on April 16, 2008, on the first day of his apostolic journey to the United States. 

“It is always sad when anyone dies, no matter how old or young,” Msgr. Rossi said. “With the passing of Pope Benedict XVI, we at Mary’s Shrine are sad because we knew him personally from when he came to visit us in 2008.” 

During his visit to the National Shrine, Pope Benedict presided over solemn vespers, addressed the bishops of the United States, and bestowed the Papal Rose upon the basilica, a rare honor granted to a church of special significance. Artifacts from his visit – including the Papal Rose, the papal throne crafted for him to preside over vespers and his meeting with the bishops, and the zucchetto he wore during his visit – are on display for public viewing.

Organizers of the Jan. 5 Mass at the National Shrine call in an opportunity for the faithful “to pray for the repose of the late Holy Father’s soul and to offer thanksgiving for his life and ministry.” 

The Mass is open to the public with no ticketing or reservations. It will also be livestreamed at www.nationalshrine.org/mass.