Former Pope Benedict XVI, the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign rather than serve for life, died on Saturday, the Vatican said in a statement. He turned 95.
“It is with sadness that I inform you that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. today at 9.34 am died at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican,” said the director of the Press Service of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni.
Benedict made the stunning announcement in 2013 that he planned to step down as pope, citing his “advanced age” and saying he no longer had the strength to lead the church. He spent his last years in a converted monastery in the Vatican, living in the same place as his successor Francis, an unprecedented situation that became the inspiration for the 2019 Netflix film. The two pause. Anthony Hopkins played Benedict in the Oscar-nominated film.
Former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been declared pope at the age of 78, a position he never intended to hold but hoped to spend his remaining years peacefully in his native Bavaria. During his eight years as church leader, he dealt with the aftermath of the church’s abuse scandal and another scandal after his butler stole his personal papers and gave them to a journalist. He once said his election as pope felt like a “guillotine” had fallen on him.
His successor, Pope Francis, will preside over Benedict’s funeral, which will take place on St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City will take place. Just a few days ago, Francis asked for prayers for Benedict, saying he was “very sick”.
Writer: Denise Petski
Source: Deadline
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