Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the personal secretary of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, confirmed that Benedict will join in Pope Francis' consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart.
"Of course, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will join Pope Francis' call in prayer with regard to the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” Archbishop Gänswein confirmed to CNA Deutch.
The Pope Emeritus will not join the penance service in St. Peter's during which the consecration will take place, but will join privately from his residence.
Bishops all over the world are confirming their participation as well.
For example, Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney, Australia, will have his cathedral open from 2.30 am on Saturday, to correspond to 5 pm Rome time Friday. "I invite you all to join with me at this time and to unite ourselves in prayer for peace in our world," the archbishop said.
The secretary-general of the bishops' conference of the Philippines said that country’s bishops will carry out the same act of consecration the same day in their respective dioceses.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, from Westminster in England, has invited his flock to join with him in the consecration.
Social media is full of further examples of bishops joining in.
