Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has passed away

Benedict XVI has returned to the House of the Father. The Holy See Press Office announced a few minutes ago that the death occurred at 9:34 AM in the residence of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, which the Pope Emeritus had chosen as his residence after resigning from the Petrine Ministry in 2013.

A statement released this morning by Director of the Holy See Press Office Matteo Bruni reads: “With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 AM in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be provided as soon as possible”.

The Pope Emeritus’s body will lie in state in the Vatican’s Basilica of Saint Peter as of 2 January 2023, to allow the faithful to offer their prayers and pay their respects.

Pope Francis will preside over the funeral service which will be held at 9:30 AM on Thursday, 5 January, in Saint Peter’s Square.