Pope Benedict XVI died peacefully on Saturday, December 31, at the age of 96.
This was reported by Vatican News.
According to the press service of the Holy See, Pope Benedict XVI died at 9:34 a.m. at his residence in the monastery of Mother Ecclesia.
"It is with regret that I inform you that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away today at 9:34 a.m. in the convent of the Mother of the Ecclesia in the Vatican. Further information will be provided as soon as possible. As of the morning of Monday, January 2, 2023, the body of the Pope Emeritus will lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica, so that believers can say goodbye," the message reads.
Benedict XVI was the 265th Pope. He held this position from 2005 to 2013. On February 11, 2013, he announced that he was going to abdicate on February 28, using the right of abdication. The waiver became effective on February 28, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. Roman time.
We will remind you that last year there was information that Pope Francis may abdicate in the near future. In the Vatican, the pontiff has allegedly already announced his intention to retire. However, this has not happened yet.