BREAKING: Pope Benedict XVI Dies at 95 – Was First Pope to Resign in 600 Years – Spent 8 Years as Head of Catholic Church

Pope Benedict XVI died on Saturday. He was 95. He was the first pontiff to retire from his papal duties in 600 years. This allowed Jorge Bergoglio to take the top seat of the Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict resigned in February 2013 nearly ten years ago.

Pope Benedict XVI officially stepped down on February 28, 2013, as leader of the Catholic Church.

In his parting words Pope Benedict thanked his supporters for “your friendship and love.”

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and Mother Teresa in 1978.(AP)

The Catholic News Agency reported:

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a leading theologian of the 20th century and the first pope to resign from office in nearly 600 years, has died at the age of 95, the Vatican announced.

His death was announced in Rome on Dec. 31. His funeral Mass will be held on Jan. 5, 2023, in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican said.

The Vatican press office director, Matteo Bruni, said Dec. 31: “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.”

Benedict XVI’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica beginning on Jan. 2, 2023.

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