Benedict XVI, RIP: He Restored the Latin Mass

In this special edition of The Remnant Underground, Michael Matt discusses the passing of Pope Benedict XVI. For some, he was a saint and, for others, a villain. But what cannot be denied is that his intervention on behalf of the Latin Mass changed history and breathed new life into the Catholic counterrevolution.

What is his legacy?

• An entire generation of young Catholics were reconnected to the Mass of our fathers, thanks to Benedict.
• As Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, he was instrumental in the founding of the Fraternity of Saint Peter.
• He made it clear that the Latin Mass was never abrogated, and never could be.
• He lifted the excommunications of the bishops of the Society of Saint Pius X.
• But in the end he left the Church in the hands of the worst pope in history.

So where does Michael Matt stand on the pontificate of Pope Benedict, and how will history judge the man who restored the Latin Mass on the one hand, and saddled the Church with Francis on the other?

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[SusanChristmas]

Thank you Pope Benedict for the latin mass please pray for us and our church

[thepilgrimofinfinity]

Dear Pope Benedict, thank you so much for Summorum Pontificum and for lifting the excommunications of the bishops of the SSPX. Rest in peace.

[artstocker]

May he intercede for us, to hold back the storms that now assail the Church from without and, more seriously, from within.

[pspears]

Loved his high regard for tradition in the Church and his protection of the deposit of the Faith. Praying for the soul of an exemplary Pope.

[jenniferthanhhango]

Requiescat in pace, your Holiness, Benedict XVI.

[MichElle-zctu]

Rest in God’s eternal peace Dear Pope Benedict where none can do you more harm. Your greatest memories will be indelible and most admirable to those who pursued truth and tradition. Thank you Dear Pope Benedict for restoring Latin Mass, thank you.

[lauriebowden]

I have been attending TLM recently and am most amazed by the number of young families that are attending as well, so very encouraging!! Thank you, Pope Benedict, may you rest in eternal peace!! Amen

[Carol-wqfr]

Praying for the repose of your soul Pope Benedict ❤🙏🙏🙏🙏Amen

[elisataylorberry]

I was in my first grade classroom with other members of the staff watching to see who would be chosen Pope. They had all come in to view the Cardinal/New Pope who was to come out on to the balcony. Some of the Sisters wanted Cardinal Renzi to be chosen. I heard a few grumbles hoping Cardinal Ratzinger was not chosen. When Cardinal Ratzinger (who I was not familiar at the time) came out to the balcony and I heard a couple of moans I spoke to Jesus saying; Lord he looks wonderful like a sweet grandpa! In my heart I heard these words; “You are looking at the kindest man alive!” That was the beginning of my journey of getting to know Cardinal Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI through his writing, his Wednesday audiences and encyclicals. He is a treasure of the church that will be sorely missed. We were blessed to have him as our Pontiff. May you rest in peace dear Pope Benedict. You remain in my prayers.

[thomascostello]

EXCELLENT EULOGY OF BENEDICT XVI...REST IN PACE...THANK YOU YOUR HOLINESS AND THANK YOU MICHAEL MATT AND REMNANT.

[Romans.-]

His words were prophetic: "We are building a dictatorship of relativism that does not recognize anything as definitive and whose ultimate goal consists solely of one's own ego and desires."

[johnobeid]

May he rest in peace. Pope Benedict, we ask you to pray for us and for Holy Mother Church.

[teresasando]

May Pope Benedict rest in peace and now intercede for us and Holy Mother Church

[ChildofGod]

I will trust in God. Even though it’s difficult, I will continue to walk with faith and not by sight. Please pray for me. My husband passed away years ago. I’m all alone. I’m a single mother. Both of my sons are autistic, they require a lot from me because they are non verbal. Every month is a struggle, to not end up on the streets. I lost my job as a social worker at Forsyth hospital because I declined the vaccine. I declined because of my pre existing health condition lupus, and heart disease. I was denied my medical/religious exemption. I wish I could go back but the mandate is still in place for hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid all employees must have covid 19 vaccine. I get harassed constantly and mocked for sharing my testimony and for asking for prayers but prayers are all I want and I also want to bring awareness of how vaccine mandates are ruining many ppls lives. I’m now waitressing and I’m so thankful but not making nearly enough to get by. I’m tired of struggling putting food on the table it’s so discouraging. But even as I’m put down and mocked because of my situation. I still have faith that our Heavenly Father will provide he has THIS FAR! Faith over fear. Please pray for me and my boys! God bless! 🥰

[juttapopp]

He was the last of his Kind, a true giant among dwarves. Everybody who knew or met him tells not only of his brilliant, exceptional mind, but also his kindness and humility. May the God he loved fervently and served to the best of his ability receive him with open arms.

[josephinternicola]

Excellent, Michael! Thank you so much.

[MommaF]

AMEN! Thank you for your wise, kind, & truthful words at this time! I've come to depend on your insight! God bless you & yours!

[lyndiepanitz]

Let us humbly remember "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you." I attended my first Latin High Mass last month. God bless Pope Benedict XVI for that privilege.

[jacksoncastelino]

Thank you Papa for restoring and defending The Traditional Latin Mass

[amberlynnadams]

May he Rest in Peace. I was living in Topeka, Kansas attending Saint Mary's, Kansas SSPX and/or FSSP when His Moto Proprio was issued. Interestingly enough, today would be the 74th birthday of my husband who died nearly 12 years ago. He was buried by a Priest of the FSSP. ... I have strayed since that life I shared with my devoted husband from our life which was very Traditional. It strikes me that I uttered a pray for my husband that he pray for me to find my way again. I did not know Pope Benedict had died. Dearest ones, God is every
Mysterious. Thank you, Mr. Matt. Happy New Year.