Pope Benedict XVI has left for the heavenly abode! According to a report by BBC News, the former head of the Catholic church died at his Vatican residence on December 31, 2022, Saturday.
It has been reported by the media outlet that he passed away at the age of 95 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican where he had lived since his resignation. Read on to know the cause behind the death of Pope Benedict.
Pope Benedict XVI dies at 95
Sadly, Pope Benedict XVI is no longer with us. He was the first pope to resign in 600 years. The sovereign of the Vatican City State from April 19, 2005, until his resignation on February 28, 2013, passed away at the age of 95 on December 31, 2022, in his Vatican residence. The sad news of his death was shared by the Vatican.
The statement put out by the Vatican read, “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.”
It further read, “Further information will be provided as soon as possible.” As of this moment, the actual reason behind the death of Pope Benedict has not been disclosed publicly.
It has been revealed by the Vatican that the body of the Pope Emeritus will be placed in St Peter’s Basilica from January 2 for “the greeting of the faithful”. A spokesperson went on to say that Pope Benedict XVI’s funeral will be lead by Pope Francis on January 5 at St Peter’s Square in Rome.
After the former Pope’s death was announced, bells rang from Munich cathedral and a single bell was heard ringing from St Peter’s Square in Rome. People also began gathering at St Peter’s Square in Rome.
Pope Francis recently gave a health update about Pope Benedict XVI
Just a few days ago, Pope Francis provided a health update about Pope Benedict during his general audience at the Vatican. He talked about Benedict’s health on Wednesday. At that time, Francis went on to say that Benedict was very sick.
In the general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Francis said, “I want to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict who sustains the Church in his silence. He is very sick.”
Francis further added, “We ask the Lord to console and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church to the very end.” Soon after, a Vatican spokesman confirmed that “in the last few hours there has been a deterioration due to the advancement of (Benedict’s) age.”
After the general audience, Pope Francis also paid a visit to his predecessor, Pope Benedict, at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in Vatican City. At the same time, Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Washington, DC, asked Catholics and “folks of good will to pray for Benedict XVI.”
Sending our deepest condolences to all the near and dear ones of Pope Benedict XVI. May the departed soul rest in peace. Don’t forget to stay tuned with us for the latest updates from the world of showbiz.