Former Pope Benedict dies aged 95
He was the first Catholic pope to abdicate in 600 years.
Former Pope Benedict passed away on Saturday aged 95 in a secluded monastery in the Vatican.
Former Pope Benedict stepped down as leader of the Catholic Church in 2013 in a highly unusual move.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI became the first pontiff in 600 years to resign.
He was the first German pope in 1,000 years.
“With sorrow, I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican,” spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement.
“With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) December 31, 2022
Further information will be provided as soon as possible.” pic.twitter.com/O5dxoPaVkT
The Vatican said his body would lie in state from Monday in St.Peter’s Basilica and his funeral will be held on the morning of Jan. 5.
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis will preside over the ceremony, which will take place in the huge square in front of the basilica.
Leaders extend their condolences on Pope Benedict’s death:
Mes pensées vont aux catholiques de France et du monde, endeuillés par le départ de Sa Sainteté Benoît XVI, qui œuvra avec âme et intelligence pour un monde plus fraternel.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 31, 2022
Benedetto XVI è stato un gigante della fede e della ragione. Ha messo la sua vita al servizio della Chiesa universale e ha parlato, e continuerà a parlare, al cuore e alla mente degli uomini con la profondità spirituale, culturale e intellettuale del suo Magistero. pic.twitter.com/NBPxMyMykT
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) December 31, 2022
In his life and ministry, Pope Benedict XVI directed people to Christ. I join with Pope Francis and all the Catholic Church in mourning his death. May he rest in Christ’s peace and rise in glory with all the Saints.
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) December 31, 2022
My statement: https://t.co/b1COzzT2S1 pic.twitter.com/NjGPprL1uI
