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Pope Benedict XVI

Farewell, Benedict XVI: Death, wake, and funeral of the Pope Emeritus

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Farewell, Benedict XVI: Death, wake, and funeral of the Pope Emeritus

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the 265th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, left a mixed legacy after his death at the age of 95 on December 31, 2022.

For critics, Benedict was a conservative who despised liberals. For supporters, the late former pontiff was one of the Catholic Church’s greatest theologians, and also a humble servant without qualms about relinquishing power. The German-born Joseph Ratzinger was the first pope to resign in 600 years.

The Vatican is set to hold his wake at the Saint Peter’s Basilica from January 2 to 4, followed by his funeral and burial on January 5.

Farewell, Benedict XVI: Death, wake, and funeral of the Pope Emeritus

Bookmark this page for live updates, context, and analyses on the death, wake, funeral, and burial of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

LATEST UPDATES

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Farewell, Benedict XVI: Death, wake, and funeral of the Pope Emeritus

Body of Benedict XVI displayed at Vatican

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Pope Benedict XVI: A man at odds with the modern world who leaves a legacy of intellectual brilliance and controversy

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Pope Francis calls Benedict XVI noble, kind man who was gift to the world

Reuters

Pope Francis, in his first public comments since the death of his predecessor earlier on Saturday, called former pope Benedict XVI a noble, kind man who was a gift to the church and the world.

Francis spoke in the homily of a previously planned new year’s eve vespers of thanksgiving in St. Peter’s basilica.

“It is with emotion that we remember his person, so noble, so kind. And we feel in our heart such gratitude, gratitude to God for having gifted him to the church and the world,” Francis said.

Read more in this report.

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