Former Pope Benedict died on Saturday aged 95, said a spokesman for the Holy See, reported Reuters. He passed in in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery at the Vatican where he was residing after he stepped down from the role.
“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. Further information will be provided as soon as possible,” the spokesman said in a written statement, Reuters reported.
The former Pope’s body will lie at the St. Peters Basilica from Monday.
Earlier this week, Pope Francis addressed the public asking people to pray for the former pope informing them that he was sick.
The Vatican News released more details saying that the health conditions of the Pope Emeritus had worsened due to advancing age.
In the next few hours, the Holy See Press Office will communicate details for the funeral rite, the release concluded.
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