Photo:The Archdiocese of Taipei held a memorial Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and representatives of Tai Ji Men dizi went to pay their respects.
January 9, 2023
On January 5, 2023, the funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was led by Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, the Vatican City State. In his homily at the Mass, Pope Francis said, "Father, into your hands we commend his spirit. Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom, may your joy be complete as you hear his voice, now and forever.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on Dec. 31, at 9:34 a.m. at the age of 95. His secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, recounted his last words spoken in Italian: “Lord, I love you.”
Born Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI was the first pontiff in 600 years to resign. His coffin was placed in the Vatican Grottoes under St. Peter's Basilica.
Although the German-born pontiff was no longer the head of the Vatican, world leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attended the funeral along with members of European royal families and 3,700 priests. On the day of the funeral, some 60,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square to bid farewell to the beloved late Pope, sitting or standing, even though it was foggy and cold. Additionally, approximately 200,000 people have paid their respects in the past few days.
Wisdom Conversation: Peace Needs Love, and Love Needs to Be Balanced
The Archdiocese of Taipei also held a memorial Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on January 5, presided over by Archbishop Thomas An-zu Chung. Eight Tai Ji Men dizi (similar to disciples) on behalf of Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the leader of Tai Ji Men, paid their tribute to the late pope. During the Mass, Archbishop Chung highlighted the presence of the representatives from Tai Ji Men and inquired about the occasion of the delegation's meeting with the late Pope. The Tai Ji Men representatives shared a photo of the meeting between Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze and Pope Benedict XVI and handed over a condolence letter from Dr. Hong.
Dr. Hong stated that he and his dizi were saddened by the loss of a spiritual leader and defender of truth. In his condolence letter, Dr. Hong recounted meeting with the pope in St. Peter's Square in 2005 to congratulate him on becoming the leader of the Vatican and giving him a scroll titled "Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace." He shared with the pope, "There is no peace without love. Peace needs love, and love needs to be balanced." Dr. Hong noted that this important meeting seemed to have taken place yesterday, and that he missed the late pope as he had returned to the Heavenly Father.
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze praised Pope Benedict XVI for being a global role model for peace. Having personally experienced the First and Second World Wars, the pope had a deep understanding of the influence of universal love advocated by religion and the power of faith on world peace. The pope had devoted his life to promoting peace and peaceful coexistence of all faiths, setting an excellent example for everyone. Dr. Hong emphasized that the spirit of the pontiff will continue to inspire people throughout the world and that his heart and prayer are with the Catholics around the world at this time of remembering and reflection.
Photo:In 2005, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze met with Pope Benedict XVI, exchanging ideas of love and peace.
Tai Ji Men representatives shared their encounter with the Pope, noting that when Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the leader of Tai Ji Men, presented the scroll “Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace” to Pope Benedict XVI, the pontiff was very patient and read it slowly, word by word, and when Dr. Hong further explained it, the Pope nodded frequently. The Tai Ji Men representatives still vividly remember the interaction between the two leaders and described it as a very memorable meeting of the century.
All people, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or nationality, are brothers and sisters who must love one another, according to Archbishop Chung's citation of the late Pope's encyclical. He recalled an incident from 2006, when Pope Benedict XVI named him an auxiliary bishop and he traveled to the Vatican to meet with the leader of the Catholic Church. He was anxious and asked the pope how to carry out his duties as a bishop. The Pope instructed him to communicate effectively with priests and to sanctify the family, which is the foundation of society and the world, adding that when the family is sanctified, the world will be full of love and peace. The archbishop said he had always followed the Pope's teachings and strived to provide excellent care for the elderly and young people. He was touched and grateful to the pontiff.
Photo:Archbishop Thomas An-zu Chung poses with a group of Tai Ji Men dizi, holding a photo of the meeting between Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze and Pope Benedict XVI.
The media project manager for the archdiocese, Matteo Chung, expressed great interest in Tai Ji Men and inquired about its history, philosophy of peace, and trips for world peace, noting that Catholicism and Tai Ji Men's philosophy of promoting love, conscience, and peace around the world are complementary.
Peace bell rings!
Congratulating Pope Benedict XVI on his new appointment
In 2005, the 265th Pope of the Catholic Church took office, and on June 12, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze led a delegation to Europe to congratulate Pope Benedict XVI on his new appointment.
On June 15, more than 100,000 people from around the world gathered in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican to await the appearance of the Pope. Dr. Hong presented meaningful gifts to Pope Benedict XVI, including a miniature "Tai Ji Celestial Drum," representing to uplift people’s spirit; a scroll of “Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace,” a CD-ROM about the Tai Ji Men culture, an introduction to the Federation of World Peace and Love, and a book of wisdom titled "Back to Origin," which shares how to use wisdom to resolve conflicts and achieve global sustainable development goals encompassing personal health, family, society, national harmony, and a balanced natural environment. The book has been sent to many heads of state as well as to the then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the leader of Tai Ji Men, shared with Pope Benedict XVI, “There is no peace without love. Peace needs love, and love needs to be balanced” as they held hands.
The dialogue between the two spiritual leaders, the Pope and Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, was exhilarating for Tai Ji Men dizi (disciples). At the time, Tai Ji Men specially hosted a ceremony of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love in St. Peter's Square, where blessings were spread to the world with the peaceful sound of the Bell. Tai Ji Men has self-funded its trips to promote the idea of love and peace on every populated continent, and under the guidance of Dr. Hong, Tai Ji Men dizi have accomplished many practically impossible missions. Through cultural exchange, they have made many good friends from different countries, despite the differences in their skin color, language, race, and beliefs. The blessings of love and peace have radiated from their hearts, touching others’ hearts and forging many international friendships.
In front of 100,000 pilgrims in St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict XVI patiently read the scroll of “Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace” while listening to Dr. Hong's explanation. The declaration urges global citizens to respect life, protect nature, love themselves and others, as well as love their own countries and others' countries.
The declaration was proclaimed by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze on September 25, 1999 at “Love of the World, A Gathering for World Peace,” highlighting, “The year 2000 is a testimony to human civilization and serves as a milestone in creating a better world. By means of ‘Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace,’ we express the aspirations of all humanity. Praying for the wellbeing of all peoples in a new century, we wish to sound the Bell of Peace to awaken mankind’s good intentions through which we will strive for a glorious future together.”
Three significant earthquakes occurred in 1999 in Taiwan, Turkey, and Colombia, serving as warnings from nature. Four days after the 921 earthquake in Taiwan, Tai Ji Men organized "Love of the World, A Gathering for World Peace" at Taipei City Stadium on September 25. Tai Ji Men hosted a bell ringing ceremony, with more than 30,000 people from all over the world, including religious leaders, government officials, envoys stationed in Taiwan, and civil society organizations in attendance to pray for Heaven's mercy and compassion for Taiwan and all living things.
“It is believed that only a sincere heart can touch the depths of one’s soul. Therefore, we truly hope that those of all ages, different beliefs and races, both rich and poor have a genuine, cheerful and peace-loving heart.”
"Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace" was engraved on the top of the Bell of World Peace and Love, emphasizing that world peace is the common aspiration of all humankind. The ancient bell ringing ceremonies aim to consolidate the wishes of peace and kind thoughts of influential leaders from all walks of life around the world and inspire them to work together to create "a harmonious world in which there is no suffering, no fear, no war and no pain."
Benedict XVI: A Great Pope
Elected as Pope at the age of 78, Benedict XVI was the oldest person to have been elected Pope since 1730. Having lived through the First and Second World Wars, he emphasized the impact of religion on world peace and was actively involved in international affairs. In 2006, when the conflict between Lebanon and Israel broke out, the pope condemned it and called on the people of the world to pray for a speedy ceasefire. The pope emphasized that people need peace and encouraged the employment of all moral forces to make people understand that human cooperation is the only option, saying that war is the worst solution for everyone and brings only negative things to people, even to the victors.
In November 2006, Benedict XVI visited Turkey, celebrated Mass in Ephesus, and held talks with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, signifying the Western world's desire to live in peace with the Islamic world.
In February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI announced at a mass that he had to step down from office because of his advanced age and declining health. He said that he would continue to serve the Church with prayers for the rest of his life and that this decision was crucial to the life of the Church. Benedict XVI's decision shocked the world, and he became the first pontiff in nearly 600 years to resign, changing his title to Pope Emeritus.
The Pope emeritus is not a statue in a museum, but an institution, and there may be others like him in the future, Pope Francis said, praising Benedict XVI for opening the door to making it an institution rather than an exception.
Pope Francis has repeatedly and publicly said that Pope Benedict XVI's offer to resign was noble and that only a noble person would do that! Pope Francis explained that Pope Emeritus was like a grandfather in the family, a wise grandfather who could be consulted when problems arose.
Pope Francis inaugurated a statue of Benedict XVI at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on Oct. 27, 2014. "Benedict XVI was a great pope," he said, "Great for the power and penetration of his intellect, great for his considerable contribution to theology, great for his love for the Church and for human beings, great for his virtues and his religiosity."
On average, humans live no more than 100 years, yet in that time, they can make a significant beneficial difference in the world. A good thought can make the world more peaceful and sustainable while an evil thought can bring endless pain and unpredictable consequences. In memory of Pope Benedict XVI's exemplary deeds, global citizens are encouraged to contribute to a peaceful and sustainable future by acting with love, peace, and conscience.