It’s a gloomy day at Vatican City and the Catholic family worldwide as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away in the early hours of today, leaving behind a sea of admirers and spiritual followers worldwide. The late pope was a loud voice for protecting human rights and upholding the Catholic faith.
Keep reading for the details.
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The Late Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict died at this residence early this morning, according to a statement from The Holy See via Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Office, on their official Twitter account, which reads.
An Important Rite
More details also revealed that the late pope’s remains would be displayed at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, from January 2 to allow people to perform “the greeting of the faithful” rite and honor the late religious leader.
The Funeral
Benedict will finally be laid to rest on Thursday, January 5, at 9:30 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s square and will be conducted by Pope Francis, who succeeded the late priest. The funeral will reportedly be a solemn but sober ceremony with dignitaries in attendance.
Benedict’s Sickness
On Wednesday, December 28, Pope Francis asked the audience for a special prayer in honor of the pope, who was very sick and bedridden at that time. The Vatican also confirmed Francis’s news and said his health has deteriorated due to aging.
His Emergence
The late pope assumed his position back in 2005, serving as the head of the catholic church for about 8 years with his official residence in Vatican City. He succeeded Pope John Paul II, who died in April 2005.
One Of The Oldest Pope
The Pope was 78 years old at the time of his coronation, making him one of the oldest popes to ever occupy that position. He was born in Germany and named Joseph Ratzinger.
The Unexpected
Benedict broke so many records including being the first pope to step down from his role in nearly 600 years unexpectedly. He, however, blamed it on his age.
Final Mass
Upon stepping down, Benedict held his final mass in a room of 55,000 people at St. Peter’s Square in 2013 at the age of 85 and thanked everyone for understanding his move to vacate the seat.
Benedict’s Scandals
Benedict’s papacy suffered two separate reports of sexual abuse by priests within the Irish Church, which led to the dismissal of nearly 400 priests. However, a church-commissioned report this January accused Benedict of failing to discipline some priests involved in sexual abuse cases while he served as archbishop of Munich, Germany, which he denied.
