Former Pope Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95. He died at his Vatican residence, almost a decade after he resigned because of ailing health.
This is contained in a statement from the nigeriacatholicnetwork.com via Vatican News, made available through Padre Mike Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications in Abuja on Saturday.
He led the Catholic Church for less than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.
Born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany,Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery within the walls of the Vatican. His successor, Pope Francis, said he had visited him on frequently.
The Vatican said in a statement: “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 Vatican said the body of the Pope Emeritus would be placed in St. Peter’s Basilica from Monday for “the greeting of the faithful”.
”Plans for Pope Benedict’s funeral will be announced in the next few hours,” the Vatican said.