Pope Francis will officiate the funeral of Benedict XVI

The Pope Francisco will officiate the funeral Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI what will be next January 5, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. (8:30 GMT) in the square of Saint Peterthis according to the spokesman for the Vatican, Matteo Bruni. The former Pope passed away today December 31 at the age of 95.

The death of Joseph Ratzinger was announced a few hours ago through a brief statement from the Vatican: “It is with regret that I announce that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI He died at 9:34 a.m. (8:34 GMT) in the Monastery Mater Ecclesiae of the Vatican”.

According to the spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, Benedict XVI He asked that his funeral be “as simple as possible. Solemn but sober.” When he died, Ratzinger was with his secretary, Monsignor Georg Gänsweinand with the four women of the movement “Memores Domini” who cared for him in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, in the Vatican Gardens, where he had lived since his resignation from the papacy on February 11, 2013.

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Despite the fact that in recent days it was said that he was stable and that he had “managed to rest well at night, he was absolutely lucid and attentive” and remained “stable”, according to reports from the Vaticanit was revealed that this Wednesday, December 28, the Pope Emeritus received the sacrament of extreme unction, which is a special grace granted to the sick or elderly to strengthen and comfort them during their illness, and prepare them for the encounter with God.

From Monday, January 2, the funeral chapel of Benedict XVI will take place in the Basilica of San Pedro and his body will remain there until January 4.