Pope Francis leads final mass for former Pope Benedict, the first occasion in modern times a pontiff has presided over his predecessor's funeral
The funeral of former Pope Benedict XVI, who died Saturday at the age of 95, began Thursday in a traditional ceremony led by Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. In line with Benedict’s wishes, his funeral will be “simple,” according to the director of the press office of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni. It will be the first occasion in modern times a pope has presided over his predecessor’s funeral.
Benedict, who was the first pontiff in almost 600 years to resign his position, rather than hold office for life, passed away on December 31 at a monastery in Vatican City, according to a statement from the Vatican. He was elected pope in April 2005, following John Paul II’s death.
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