Funeral of Pope Benedict

Pope Benedict XVI died on 31 December 2022 at 9:34 am Central European
Time at his residence, Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, in the Vatican.
He was 95 years old.

 

Funeral plans

From 2 January 2023, Benedict's body will lie in state in
St. Peter's Basilica.

His funeral will take place on 5 January 2023 in St. Peter's Square at 9:30
am and will be celebrated by Pope Francis. 

Bishop Georg Ganswein, his personal secretary since 2003, and
Bishop Diego Ravelli, instructor of liturgical celebrations. will also attend
the funeral.

This will be the first time a pope will attend a funeral for his
predecessor according to the New York Times, described as an
"unusual precedent".

Royal presence

* King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians 

(the only reigning monarchs);

* Queen Sofia of Spain;

* Prince Stefan of Liechtenstein. 

* King Letsie III of Lesotho

* Clotilde Courau

Royal Messages

King Charles, who met Pope Benedict in 2009, sent a message
of condolence to Pope Francis hours after the death of Benedict XVI
was announced.

The King said ”I received the news of the death of your predecessor,
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, with deep sadness. I remember with
fondness my meeting with His Holiness during my visit to the
Vatican in 2009.”

Speaking of Benedict XVI’s State Visit to the UK, the first ever by a Pope,
King Charles said ”His visit to the United Kingdom in 2010 was
important in strengthening the relations between the Holy See
and the United Kingdom.”

King Charles, now Supreme Governor of the Church of England,
also said ”I also recall his constant efforts to promote peace and
goodwill to all people, and to strengthen the relationship between
the global Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.”

The King concluded ”My wife and I send our continued
good wishes for your own pontificate.”

The message was signed ”Charles R”.

Source picture: Wikipedia