Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was a great man and a great theologian. I was more than honored to have known him.
I first met him in the last session of the Second Vatican Council when I was a priest-usher in 1965. We have been friends on many levels for many years, knowing him as theologian Joseph Ratzinger and later as Cardinal Ratzinger and then as Pope Benedict XVI. We had many beautiful conversations together. I think he was an incredibly important person in the history of the Church. His mind was absolutely magnificent. We had many conversations, mostly on the theological level. I was always awed by his knowledge and his incredible ability, as well as his dedication to theological research.
I was honored he asked me to translate the Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church into English, which I did. In 2010, on the occasion of my 50th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood he sent me a very nice congratulatory letter.
We were very good friends. His service to the Church will not be forgotten and should be treasured. May he now rest in the peace of God.
Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz
Diocese of Lincoln
