Paprocki remembers Benedict XVI, pope who appointed him bishop of Springfield

Bishop of Springfield Thomas J. Paprocki remembered the life and legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Saturday, saying the former leader of the Catholic Church left a "lasting impression on the faithful and the Church."

Paprocki said in a statement following the former Joseph Ratzinger's death at age 95 that he had inspired millions of Catholics the world over through his writings, his warmth and gentility and his approach to living his faith.

"Benedict XVI was an authentic example of faithfulness to God and Catholicism, living and preaching the gospel message with truth and passion," Paprocki said. "Always writing and teaching, his warm smile, gentle demeanor, and pastoral approach to explaining and living out the Catholic faith inspired millions and brought people closer to Christ.

"His reverence toward the eucharist, the mass, and the sacraments are examples for us today on how we should all view and respect these treasures of the Catholic faith. His steadfast defense of our faith’s teachings and traditions and remaining faithful to them, despite the pressures of the secular world and from inside the Church, is the mark of a true leader."

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Ratzinger was elected pope in 2005 following the death of John Paul II, taking the name Benedict XVI in the process. In 2010, he appointed Paprocki, then an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago, to the role of Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, replacing George J. Lucas, who became Archbishop of Omaha.

Paprocki was informed of his appointment through a phone call with then-Cardinal Francis George, then serving as Archbishop of Chicago, who informed him that Benedict had appointed him Springfield's new bishop. Paprocki, interestingly enough, was on his way to Rome to meet with the Pontifex, one of many meetings Paprocki and Benedict had during his life.

The bishop said that he was grateful for the time that he had spent with Benedict discussing the theology of Catholicism, praising his compassion and friendliness towards people.

"To this day, I am humbled Pope Benedict appointed me as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois," Paprocki said. "I had the honor of meeting with him several times (and) I will forever remember his friendliness and compassion. His theological genius and his ability to communicate our rich and oftentimes difficult theology to the people in a clear and understandable way was most impressive.

The Catholic Church lost an incredible and humble man, but his legacy leaves a lasting impression on the faithful and our Church."

Paprocki has served as Springfield's bishop for the last 12 years after having spent much of his prior life in Chicago in various roles within the Church. Benedict resigned due to old age in 2013, the first Pope in 600 years to resign prior to his death.

Lucas recalled meeting Pope Benedict several times, including in 2008 during his pastoral visit to the U.S.

Lucas, who served as bishop in Springfield from 1999 to 2009, was appointed to his current post by Pope Benedict.

“Even as we grieve his passing, we give thanks to God for his long life of faithful service to the church and to the world," Lucas said in a statement on the archdiocese's website. "We remember with particular gratitude his work at the Second Vatican Council, which continues to shape the life of the Church today, his many theological and spiritual writings, his pastoral care as our universal shepherd and his humility in resigning the papacy and in his fraternal support of Pope Francis.

"Each time (I met with Pope Benedict) I encountered a supportive father and a benevolent pastor."

Peoria Bishop Louis Tylka said he was "saddened by the news that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has gone home to the Lord. Truly a man of deep faith, he has now heard 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' May he rest in peace."

Reporter Steven Spearie contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Paprocki remembers pope who appointed him bishop of Springfield