The funeral of former Pope Benedict XVI, who died this morning (Saturday) at the age of 95 in a monastery in the Vatican complex, will be held on January 5 in St. Peter's Square at 09:30 local time, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni reported.
The funeral will be conducted by the reigning Pope St. Francis.
The body of the former pope will be displayed in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican starting Monday, January 2, so that the faithful can pay their last respects to the religious leader of the Christian-Catholic world, Vatican News reported.
The funeral "will be simple - at the request of the former pope," added Bruni.
Leaders from around the world paid tribute to Benedict XVI, the first pope in 600 years to step down and not serve until death.
He unexpectedly resigned in 2013 due to health reasons.
Pope Benedict XVI in the last picture in December. (Photo: Reuters)
twitter twitter
The President of the European Parliament Roberta Matsula tweeted today that "I was saddened to hear about the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Europe mourns him. May he rest in peace."
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said the former pope "sent a strong message through his retirement."
"The death of Pope Benedict saddens me. My condolences to all Catholics. He saw himself as a servant of God and his Church. When his physical strength weakened, he continued to serve through the power of his prayers," she tweeted.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Pope was "a great theologian whose visit to Britain in 2010 was a historic moment for Catholics and non-Catholics in our country."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Maloney said that "Benedict XVI was a giant of faith and rationality. He gave his life to the service of the universal Church and spoke, and will continue to speak,
Olaf Schulz, Chancellor of Germany said that he "was a special church leader for many. As a 'German' Pope he was a special leader for many, not only in this country. My heart is with Pope Francis."
Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, added that "the Catholic world mourns the separation from His Holiness Pope Benedict".
news
world news
Europe
Tags
Pope Benedict XVI
and fixed
Rome