Following Pope Francis’ request for prayers for his predecessor, who was “extremely unwell,” on Friday, his death on Saturday came as a shock.
It’s as if he knew he was going to die.
The Vatican’s doctrinal office, then known as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was powerfully led by Benedict for nearly 25 years as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.
According to the Vatican, 95-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger on April 16, 1927) has passed away.
The Holy See Press Office reported that Benedict, the first German pontiff in 1,000 years, passed away in the Mater Ecclesiae convent, where he had chosen to live after stepping down in 2013.
According to the Vatican, his body will lay in state at Saint Peter’s Basilica starting on Monday. In St. Peter’s Square on January 5, pope Francis will preside over the funeral. It is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to begin the ceremony (0830 GMT).
Who can attend Pope Benedict’s XVI’s funeral?
Beginning on Monday, St. Peter’s Basilica will host a public viewing of Benedict’s remains.
In addition to being shown live on television, papal funerals frequently draw millions of mourners to Rome.
So basically anyone can attend the funeral, either at the comfort of their homes or at the St. Peter’s square in person.
Which special guests will attend the funeral?
Popes traditionally attract heads of state from all around the world to their funerals, and President Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, has already met Benedict. The funeral of a former pope, however, might not gather as many famous people.
