Pope Francis speaks at the death of Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.
January 1, 2022 (Reuters)
Many Catholics began to gather this evening (Sunday) in St. Peter's Square at the entrance to the Vatican City to say goodbye to Pope Benedict XVI who died yesterday morning and his body was laid to rest today, while thousands more are preparing to arrive.
The ailing 86-year-old Pope Francis prayed for his predecessor Benedict's passage to Heaven, and conducted a special mass ceremony in honor of the civil Rosh Hashanah in St. Peter's Basilica in Medina.
Benedict, the first pope in 600 years to resign, died at the Mater Ecclesia monastery in the Vatican at 9.34am yesterday.
The huge basilica will host his coffin from Monday, and thousands of believers are expected to come to see him and pay their respects.
The corpse was dressed in a mitre, a bishop's headdress, and a red cloak-like garment, and a rosary was placed in his hands.
Francis arrived at St. Peter's Basilica this morning in a wheelchair, and he will lead Benedict's funeral this Thursday in St. Peter's Square.
Benedict's funeral is expected to be simple, in accordance with his wishes.
The body of Pope Benedict XVI was placed in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
The body of the Pope (Photo: Reuters)
"Inspiration for everyone".
Pope Benedict XVI a month before his death (Photo: Reuters)
An array of world leaders honored Benedict's legacy;
King Charles expressed his 'deep sadness' at his death in a message to Francis as head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, as did Cardinal Vincent Nicholas, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, also paid tribute.
US President Joe Biden called Benedict "an inspiration to all" and "a renowned theologian, with a lifetime of devotion to the Church, guided by his principles and faith."
British Prime Minister Rishi Sonk paid tribute to him on Twitter and wrote: "I am saddened to hear of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He was a great theologian whose visit to Britain in 2010 was a historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our country."
Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th Pope on April 19, 2005, while he was 78 years old, and chose the name Benedictus.
He served until February 2013 when he resigned citing his old age and deteriorating health.
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