The former Pope Benedict has died in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican, a spokesman for the Holy See said.

"With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be provided as soon as possible," the spokesman said in a written statement.

Pope Francis warned his 95-year-old predecessor was very ill and appealed to everyone to pray for him on Wednesday.
A day later the Vatican said the former Pope "was able to rest well last night".

Benedict XVI became the first leader of the Catholic Church to stand down in 600 years in 2013. He cited old age.
The Vatican said his body will lie in state in St Peter's Basilica from Monday.

Benedict was the first German pope in 1,000 years.

Read more: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/12/31/former-pope-benedict-dies-aged-95/

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