Memorial Mass & Funeral Mass details for Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died on December 31, 2022. The Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference have released a media statement.

A Memorial Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be held at St Patrick’s Cathedral Ballarat on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 10.00am. Parishes are also invited to celebrate a Memorial Mass on this same day or another day this week.

The Funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be held in Rome on January 5 at 9.30am (7.30pm AEDT). Two official channels will broadcast the funeral live:

Vatican Media Live YouTube channel
Vatican News Facebook page

Archbishop Charles Balvo, the Apostolic Nuncio in Australia, will celebrate a Mass to pray for the repose of the soul, and in thanksgiving for the life, of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra on Thursday, January 5 at 6.00pm. More details are posted on the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn facebook page.

We are a community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Inspired by the Gospel and nourished by the Eucharist, we follow the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reaching out in joyful and humble service, caring for all of God’s creation, growing in love day by day and looking forward to life with God forever.

Diocesan Vision Statement

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Ballarat sits. We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and future. Their wisdom can help us care for the earth, our common home.

- Acknowledgement of Country -