Benedict XVI, 1st Pope To Resign In 600 Years, Dies At 95

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the German theologian who will be remembered as the first pope in 600 years to resign, has died, the Vatican announced Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. He was 95.

Photo Insert: Pope Francis had invited people to pray for the Pope Emeritus, who was "very ill," so that the Lord might console him and support him "in this witness of love for the Church until the end."

A statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: “With pain I inform that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died today at 9:34 a.m. in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be released as soon as possible.”

Vatican News said “Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has returned to the Father’s House.”

The Holy See Press Office released the following statement: “With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 a.m. 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."

The health condition of the Pope Emeritus had worsened due to advancing age, as the Press Office had reported in its updates of the evolving situation.

“Pope Francis himself publicly shared the news about his predecessor's worsening health at the end of the last General Audience of the year December 28,” Vatican News added.

The Pope had invited people to pray for the Pope Emeritus, who was "very ill," so that the Lord might console him and support him "in this witness of love for the Church until the end."

Following this invitation, prayer initiatives sprung up and multiplied on all continents, along with an outpouring of messages of solidarity and closeness from secular leaders.

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