Vatican News has reported that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away this morning:
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has returned to the Father’s House.
The Holy See Press Office announced that the Pope Emeritus died at 9:34 AM on Saturday morning in his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery.
“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. As of Monday morning, 2 January 2023, the body of the Pope Emeritus will be in Saint Peter's Basilica so the faithful can bid farewell."
Funeral plans
During a briefing at the Holy See Press office at midday, Bruni told journalists that Pope Francis will preside over the funeral of the Pope Emeritus on January 5, at 9.30 AM Rome time, in St. Peter's Square.
He added that as from Monday, the body of Benedict XVI will be lying in state in the Basilica so that the faithful may pay their last respects with prayers and a final farewell.
Bruni also said that on Wednesday, December 28, in the afternoon, the Pope Emeritus received the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick in the monastery at the end of Holy Mass.
Vatican News added that after the briefing, Bruni told reporters that Benedict specifically asked that everything - including the funeral - be marked by simplicity, just as he lived his life.
