After the death of Benedict XVI, the Holy See has announced the date of the Pope Emeritus’ funeral. They took place in Saint Peter’s Square, this Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:30 am. a “solemn but sober funeral” (I.Media).
This celebration is historic “since never in the history of the Church has a pope ever buried his predecessor”, indicates the Vatican press agency.
funeral mass
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ezCaqkXr8A
At the sound of the knell, the coffin of Benedict XVI arrived at Saint-Pierre square, the faithful present gathered before the mass, with the rosary prayer. Pope Francis presided over the funeral mass, and Cardinal Re, dean of cardinals, celebrated at the altar, because of the pope’s knee problems.
The Office of Pontifical Celebrations specifies that the coffin will be buried where John Paul II rested before his beatification. Unlike the funeral of a pope in office, only two official delegations are announced by the Holy See: Germany, country of origin of Joseph Ratzinger, and Italy, where he notably died.
The pope emeritus #BenoitXVI was buried in the Vatican grottos, where the first tomb of Saint John Paul II was.
May he rest in peace !
Pictures Vatican Media pic.twitter.com/BD0RzjoLVq— Philippine de Saint Pierre (@pdesaintpierre) January 5, 2023