Benedict XVI, humble worker in the Lord's vineyard, has gone to the Father's house

Former Pope Benedict, 95 years old, died at 9:34 am Rome time at his residence in the Vatican. His remains will be placed at St Peter's Basilica from Monday morning, January 2, 2023 for the faithful to pay their respects.

Benedict XVI has returned to the Father's House. A few minutes ago, the Holy See Press Office announced that he had died at 9:34 am Rome time at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery , which the former Pope, 95 years old, had chosen as his residence after his resignation from office. in 2013.

News about declining health

From the past few days, the Pope's health condition has deteriorated greatly due to his advanced age and frailty, as the Press Office has reported when updating on the progress of his health.

It was Pope Francis who wanted to share publicly the news of his predecessor's deteriorating health at the end of his last general audience of the year, December 28, when he called to pray for the Eminence. The Pope, "very weak", to ask the Lord to comfort him and sustain him "in the witness of love for the Church to the end." And immediately, on all continents, many prayer programs were multiplied with messages of solidarity and closeness even from outside the Church.

In the next few hours, news of the funeral rite will be announced by the Vatican Press Office.