The Rainbow Sash Movement mourns the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Dec. 31 in the Vatican.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, known most recently as the pontiff who renounced the papacy—but who was situated squarely at the centers of power during five decades of epochal change and unprecedented scandal in the global Catholic Church—died on Dec. 31 in the apartment he kept inside a Vatican monastery.
While we mourn the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict, we cannot dismiss the harm he unleashed on Gay Roman Catholics and their allies, with both a mean-spirited attack on the Trans community and women, and his abysmal record in dealing with the clergy abuse scandal.
History may have a different view of this homophobic and sexist pope. As Catholics, we are called to love, not to hate. While this may be difficult, it is what Jesus Christ calls us to do. His soul is now in God's hands, and we will trust that.
For seven years and 10 months, he led the church as the 264th successor of St. Peter, writing documents noted for their spiritual depth and attempting reform of the Vatican bureaucracy.
May he rest in peace.
Joe Murray
Executive Director
Rainbow Sash Movement (LGBTQAI+ Roman Catholics)
