LIVE UPDATES: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI dies at age 95
Pope Benedict XVI wears the "Saturno" hat as he blesses the pilgrims during the weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, June 30, 2010. / Alessia Pierdomenico / Shutterstock
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 31, 2022 / 05:25 am (CNA).
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a leading theologian of the 20th century and the first pope to resign from office in nearly 600 years, has died at the age of 95.
Follow along here for live updates:
*Dec. 31, 7:19 a.m.:* Funeral Mass of Benedict XVI to be held Jan. 5
The Vatican announced Saturday that the funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will take place on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis will preside over the funeral, which, in keeping with Benedict’s wishes, “will be carried out under the sign of simplicity,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.
You can read more here.
*Dec. 31, 6:44 a.m.*
The Pontifical Academy for Life called the late pope emeritus, “one of the most influential theological personalities of the twentieth century, constantly striving to make the faith understandable and reliable for modern man.”
Declaration - Presidency - @PontAcadLife #BenedictXVI one of the most influential theological personalities of the twentieth century, constantly striving to make the faith understandable and reliable for modern man.https://t.co/3MSJVav9kN pic.twitter.com/2JVKmjAyls
— Pontifical Academy Life (@PontAcadLife) December 31, 2022
*Dec. 31, 5:45 a.m.:* PHOTOS: Key moments from Benedict XVI’s papacy
The faithful can follow Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy as told through photos here.
*Dec. 31, 4:59 a.m.:* Benedict XVI dead at 95: The ‘humble worker’ and his legacy of hope to the Catholic Church
Cardinal Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was elected pope on April 19, 2005, and took the name Benedict XVI. Eight years later, on Feb. 11, 2013, the 85-year-old shocked the world with the announcement — made in Latin — that he was resigning from the papacy. It was the first resignation of a pope in nearly 600 years. He cited his advanced age and lack of strength as unsuitable for the exercise of his office.
However, the enormous legacy of his theologically profound contributions to the Church and the world will continue to be the source of reflection and study.
You can read more here.
*Dec. 31, 4:44 a.m.:* BREAKING: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI dies at age 95
His death was announced in Rome on Dec. 31. His funeral Mass will be held on Jan. 5, 2023, in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican said.
The Vatican press office director, Matteo Bruni, said Dec. 31: “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.”
Benedict XVI’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica beginning on Jan. 2, 2023.
You can read more here.
