Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, 95, passed away at his Vatican residence today at 09:34 AM(local time). Almost a decade after he stood down because of ailing health.
The Holy See Press Office announced the sorrowful news of the demise of whom led the Catholic Church for less than eight years until 2013. He became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.
“With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 AM in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be provided as soon as possible,” announced the Holy See Press Office.
Pope Emeritus Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican.
Born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany, Benedict was 78 when in 2005 he became one of the oldest popes ever elected.