Former Pope Benedict XVI dies at 95, tributes from around the world
Pope Benedict XVI, who was the supreme religious leader (Pope) of the Catholic Christians, has passed away at his home in the Vatican. He was 95 years old.
Benedict XVI, who left the papacy in 2013 due to ill health, held the responsibility of the Pope of the Catholic Church between April 2005 and February 2013. He was the first pope since Gregory XII to resign in 1415.
He spent the last time of his life in a monastery located in the premises of the famous Catholic Church in Vatican.
In a statement released after his death, the Vatican Church said, “It is with sadness that we inform you that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away today at 9.34 AM in the ME Monastery in the Vatican.”
The Vatican Church has said that the body of the honorary pope will be kept in St. Peter’s Basilica from January 2, where people will be able to see him.
His last rites will be performed on January 5. It will include Pope Francis.
The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi also tweeted expressing his grief over his death.
He wrote, “I am saddened by the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He dedicated his entire life to the Church and the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. He will be remembered for his rich service to society.”
The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nicholls, said Pope Benedict was “one of the great theologians of the 20th century”.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has described the former Pope as a great theologian. He said his visit to our country in 2010 was a historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics.
King Charles III has also expressed grief over the death of Pope Benedict and recalled his meeting with him in the Vatican in 2009.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that Pope Benedict worked with all his heart and mind to promote brotherhood in the world. He said that his ideas have been adopted by Catholics in France and around the world.
