How did former Pope Benedict XVI die? First German pontiff in a millenium dead at 95
VATICAN CITY: Former Pope Benedict XVI died on Saturday, December 31, at the age of 95. According to the Holy See Press Office, Benedict, who became the first German pontiff in a millennium, died at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, where he had chosen to live after stepping down in 2013. The Vatican announced that his remains would lie-in-state in Saint Peter's Basilica beginning on Monday, January 2. On January 5, Pope Francis will supervise the funeral, which will take place in St Peter's Square. The Vatican earlier revealed that the former Pope was under medical supervision as his health was deteriorating due to old age.
In his weekly general audience earlier this week, Pope Francis revealed that his predecessor was "very sick" and requested prayers. “I’d like to ask all of you for a special prayer for Emeritus Pope Benedict, who, in silence, is sustaining the church," the Pope reportedly said near the end of an hour-long audience. ”I remind you that he is very sick,” he added. Benedict served as the influential head of the Vatican's doctrinal office, formerly known as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, for nearly 25 years as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.
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Eminent world leaders have offered their condolences on social media. EU President Ursula von der Leyen wrote, “Pope Benedict’s passing saddens me. My sympathy goes out to all Catholics. He had set a strong signal through his resignation. He saw himself first as a servant for God and his Church. Once his physical strength waned, he continued to serve through the power of his prayers.” French President Emmanuel Macron wrote, “My thoughts go out to Catholics in France and around the world, bereaved by the departure of His Holiness Benedict XVI, who worked with soul and intelligence for a more fraternal world.”
Declaration of the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni
— Holy See Press Office (@HolySeePress) December 31, 2022
“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.
Further information will be provided as soon as possible.”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, “I am saddened to learn of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He was a great theologian whose UK visit in 2010 was a historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our country. My thoughts are with Catholic people in the UK and around the world today.” In 2005, Benedict, whose official name is Joseph Ratzinger and is from the state of Bavaria, was elected to succeed the well-liked Pope John Paul II, who had been reigning for 27 years.
Pope Benedict’s passing saddens me. My sympathy goes out to all Catholics.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 31, 2022
He had set a strong signal through his resignation. He saw himself first as a servant for God and his Church.
Once his physical strength waned, he continued to serve through the power of his prayers.
Mes pensées vont aux catholiques de France et du monde, endeuillés par le départ de Sa Sainteté Benoît XVI, qui œuvra avec âme et intelligence pour un monde plus fraternel.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 31, 2022
I am saddened to learn of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) December 31, 2022
He was a great theologian whose UK visit in 2010 was an historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our country.
My thoughts are with Catholic people in the UK and around the world today.
The Catholic world was shocked when Benedict announced his retirement on February 11, 2013. He reportedly declared that he was no longer fit to serve as the church's leader, both mentally and physically. He made his resignation official on February 28 that year. He was last seen on December 1, when he visited the recipients of a prize for theologians that bore his name. He appeared very frail at that time.
