Archbishop Aymond asks for prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict

Archbishop Gregory Aymond sent a letter to priests of the Archdiocese of New Orleans asking for prayers at all Masses this weekend for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who died Dec. 31 in Rome at the age of 95.

"As we experience his death, we thank God for his faithful life of leadership and humble service in our church," the archbishop wrote to priests. "Please ask the people of our archdiocese to remember him in prayer at all Masses this weekend.

"Well done, good and faithful servant. May he be embraced by Jesus, the Good Shepherd, whom he made present to us in his ministry as our pope."

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also has offered several suggestions for special petitions offered in the Prayer of the Faithful.