Bells rang out in St Peter’s Square in Rome on Saturday for the previous Pope Benedict XVI who died elderly 95.
Benedict XVI led the Catholic church for nearly 8 years, prior to changing into the primary pontiff in 600 years to surrender from the process in 2013.
“The funerals will be on Thursday this coming week, Thursday 5 January, at 09:30 on St Peter’s Square, and they will be presided over by Pope Francis,” showed Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni.
“From the morning on Monday, the body of the Pope Emeritus will be in the Basilica of Saint Peter, where the faithful can go with their prayers for a last meeting with the Pope Emeritus, to greet him and to say goodbye.”
European leaders have taken to social media to commemorate the previous Pope, together with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who described Benedict XVI as a “special church leader” and “clever theologian.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni referred to as Benedict XVI a “giant of faith and reason”, whilst French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that Benedict XVI “worked with soul and intelligence for a more fraternal world”.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote “I am saddened to learn of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He was a great theologian whose UK visit in 2010 was an historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our country.”
My ideas are with Catholic folks in the United Kingdom and all over the world these days,” he added.
Pope Francis will preside over the funeral in St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Thursday.
