The unfortunate news was confirmed and announced by The Holy See in a short statement early Saturday morning.
“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,” wrote Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office. “Further information will be provided as soon as possible.” The New York Times reported Saturday that his funeral will then be held on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by his successor Pope Francis. A Vatican spokesman added that the service would be a “solemn but sober funeral.”
The Vatican said Benedict’s remains would be on public display in St. Peter’s Basilica starting Monday, with his funeral to be held on Thursday, Jan. 5, in St. Peter’s Square, with Pope Francis presiding over the mass. Following the ceremony, his coffin will then be transported back to St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Vatican Grottoes — a spread of papal tombs below St. Peter’s — for burial, according to information from the Vatican.
Youngstown Diocese Bishop David Bonnar shared his comments on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and announced that he will be the principal celebrant for the upcoming masses praying for the Pope.
“The clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Youngstown mourn the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict. Pope Benedict’s story is one of humble and faithful service to the Church rooted in a passionate commitment to promoting and protecting the Truth of the Gospel. His Episcopal Motto, ‘Cooperators of the Truth’ illustrates his uncompromising intentionality to the truth,” Bonnar said.
“May he now occupy the room prepared for him in God’s Kingdom and see God face to face,” Bonnant continued. “Together, let us pray that Pope Benedict will know God’s peace and rest.”