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 Fran