The Catholic Church suffered a great loss with the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He died peacefully in his Vatican residence on Saturday morning at the age of 95. The Holy See confirmed the news and said a solemn but sober funeral will be held Thursday in St. Peter’s Square presided over by his successor, Pope Francis.
Pope Benedict had served as head of the Catholic Church for nearly eight years beginning in 2005 following the death of Pope John Paul II. At 78 years old when he accepted the position, he was one of the oldest individuals to be named pope in history and retired from his role in 2013 citing his advanced age. His last mass as Pope was held before more than 55,000 people at St. Peter’s Square where he thanked supporters for understanding his decision to step down due to deteriorating health conditions related to aging.
It was revealed that Benedict’s health had “worsened due to age”, and on Wednesday, December 28th Pope Francis asked his audience for “a special prayer” in Benedict’s honor. The announcement of the news came Saturday morning with Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office saying: “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.” His remains will lie in St Peter’s Basilica from January 2nd until Thursday when his funeral will take place at 9:30 am local time presided over by Pope Francis himself.
Pope Benedict will be remembered as an influential figure within Catholicism whose legacy continues to shape and inspire its followers across generations even after his death has left us all bereaved but proud; proud of having been part of an era where such a spiritual leader guided us through times both good and bad with kindness and perseverance alike – qualities which are ever so needed right now more than ever before.
