VATICAN CITY: Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, who tried to revive Christianity in secular Europe, died on Saturday. He was 95 years old. Benedict, who hails from Germany, will be remembered as the first Christian cleric in 600 years to resign as Pope.
Benedict shocked the world on 11 February 2013 when he announced that he was no longer able to lead the Catholic Church of 1.2 billion followers. He remained in this position for eight years and faced many controversies during this period. His resignation paved the way for Pope Francis to be elected to the top post.
In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world by making the almost unprecedented decision to stand down from his position, citing “advanced age.”
Benedict’s announcement marked the first time a Pope had stepped down in nearly 600 years.
“It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away today in the Vatican,” said a statement issued by Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni on Saturday morning. More information will be made available as soon as possible.
Funeral plans
During a briefing at the Holy See Press office, the director, Matteo Bruni, told journalists that Pope Francis will preside over the funeral of the Pope Emeritus on 5 January at 9.30 CET in St. Peter’s Square. No tickets are foreseen for participation in the Mass.
Bruni also said the Pope Emeritus on Wednesday 28th, in the afternoon, received the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery at the end of Holy Mass.
And speaking to reporters after the briefing he said Benedict specifically asked that everything – including the funeral – be marked by simplicity, just as he lived his life.
