Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s funeral to be held Thursday at St. Peter’s Square

Pope Francis Next week, the funeral service will be held for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who died Saturday.

The Vatican announced Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away Saturday at 9:34 am He was 95.  

Benedict’s remains are currently held at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, Vatican City. This is where he lived the majority of his post-papacy life.

POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI DEAD AT 95, VATICAN SAYS

FILE PHOTO – Pope Francis meets Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at a Mass to Create 20 New Cardinals, held in St. Peter’s Basilica at Vatican on February 14, 2015.
(REUTERS/Tony Gentile/File Photo)

The faithful will have the opportunity to view his body on Jan. 2 St. Peter’s Basilica. According to tradition, the corpse of the dead pope will be made available to the public so that mourners can pray for him on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will preside at the funeral mass of the late pontiff in St. Peter’s Square on Jan. 5. 

POPE BENEDICT’S VISION OF CATHOLICISM, VATICAN II, AND THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH ENDURE THROUGH HIS TEACHINGS

Pope Benedict XVI, Italy’s Vatican Residence in November 1985.
(Gianni GIANSANTI/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

The public will be able to attend the service, and the Vatican has given contacts. Catholics worldwide I would like to conceive the mass remotely.

In 2005, Benedict was elected to the papal papacy. Later, he claimed that he had prayed for his selection during the conclave, but was forced to accept what was. God calling him to greater service. 

POPE BENEDICT XVI GIVES FAREWELL TO CARDINALS, PROMISES OBEDIENCE TO SUCCESSOR

Catholic priest, Germany Ratzinger, taking office as Bishop in Munich – 1977
(Claus Hampel / ullstein bild via Getty Images)

Benedict, 85 years old and the first pope of centuries, was elected as Pope in February 2013. resign from his post. 

“I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise [of the pontificate],” He said it at the time. 

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Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Christmas Night Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Vatican on December 24, 2009.
(Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

The title of former pontiff was given to Pope Francis after his ascension. “Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” But, per canon law he had no authority over the church.

On June 29, 2021, Benedict celebrated the Platinum Jubilee — 70th anniversary — of his ordination into the priesthood. 

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