Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday, the last day of the 2022 calendar year, at 09:34 CET at his residence in the Vatican.
The Holy See Press Office announced that he died at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, the residence he had chosen as his home after resigning from the Petrine ministry in 2013.
The Pope Emeritus’ health had worsened due to his age, as reported by the Press Office. Pope Francis has previously asked the faithful to pray for him.
“I ask to all of you a special prayer for the pope emeritus Benedict, who, in silence, is sustaining the Church,” Pope Francis said.
“Remember him – he is very ill – asking the Lord to console him and to sustain him in this testimony of love for the Church until the end.”
