Array
When retired Pope Benedict XVI is laid to rest on Thursday, it will be an event unprecedented in the modern history of the Catholic Church.
Not only was Benedict the first modern pope to step down, but his funeral will be highly unusual because the sitting pope will preside over the funeral of a former one.
Benedict died on Saturday morning in his residence, the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, the Vatican announced. The former pope was gravely ill over the past week.
Benedict’s funeral mass is scheduled to take place on Thursday in St. Peter’s Square. His remains are expected to be on public display in St. Peter’s Basilica starting Monday for people to offer their final farewells.
The former pope was elected the 265th pontiff in 2005 at age 78 — becoming the oldest person to be elected since 1730. He served for seven years before becoming the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, citing his advanced age as a reason he was no longer suited to lead.
