SW News: In China, there were solemn liturgical celebrations on January 1 for the repose of the soul of the pope emeritus. Thousands of Catholics took part in the Mass in countless churches across the country on that day, which also happened to be the Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God.

According to Agenzia Fides, all churches were opened that day after their long closure following the outbreak of COVID-19. In the St Savior Cathedral in Beijing Archdiocese, 300 believers took part in each of the six Holy Masses that were offered for the repose of the soul of Benedict XVI.

Believers also closely followed the developments from the Vatican through WeChat. They really appreciate the apostolic concern of the former pontiff for the Church in China and for his efforts to normalize ties with the communist government. It was in his iconic Letter to Chinese Catholics of 2007 that recognized the scope of a Magna Carta for the Church in the communist country. Bishop Joseph Han Zhi-hai of Lanzhou said, "The news of his death caused sadness mixed with gratitude and feelings of consolation. We prayed for him, following what Pope Francis had also requested. We console ourselves, trusting that he too, as the Apostle Saint Paul writes of himself, fought the good fight, finished his race, kept the faith. Now he will receive the crown of victory!”

He added that the pope emeritus made significant contributions to the Church in China and for that, the Chinese believers are eternally grateful. The bishop recollected how happy he was to meet the former pontiff in the Vatican in 2008. “It was an unforgettable encounter for me, one that I will keep in my memory for the rest of my life. I pray that his soul will go immediately to the Kingdom of God, to the place that Jesus has prepared for him, and that he may rest in his peace," he added.

According to Bishop Matthias Du Jiang of Ba Meng diocese, the late pope emeritus remained faithful to Jesus all throughout his life. He said that his vast wisdom and sanctity give enough merit for him to be declared a Doctor of the Church of our time. “We will forever cherish his memory in our hearts, full of gratitude," he said.

Co-adjutor Bishop Antonio Li Hui of the Diocese of Pingliang expressed gratitude to the late former pontiff and said that he would offer Masses and prayers for the eternal rest of his soul.