Wilhering, Austria, Oct 19, 2021 / 09:00 am
Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has said that he looks forward to joining his friends in heaven in a condolence message following the death of a Cistercian priest.
In a letter dated Oct. 2 and released by Wilhering Abbey in Austria, the 94-year-old retired pope said that the death of Fr. Gerhard Winkler touched him profoundly, reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner.
“The news of the passing of Prof. Dr. Gerhard Winkler O. Cist., which you have conveyed to me, has affected me deeply,” wrote Benedict XVI, who was pope from 2005 to 2013.
“Among all colleagues and friends, he was the closest to me. His cheerfulness and deep faith always attracted me.”