The Funeral of Pope Benedict XVI

The Lying in State of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

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On the morning of January 5th 2023, history was made when a pope presided at the funeral of his predecessor!

The funeral of Pope Benedict XVI (r. 2005-13), who died on December 31st 2022, took place in St Peter's Square and was conducted by the man who succeeded him, Pope Francis.

For the three days leading up to the funeral, Pope Benedict XVI's body lay in state in
St Peter's Basilica, where tens of thousands of people came to pay their last respects.

On February 28th 2013, Benedict XVI became the first Pope in almost 600 years to resign. Following his resignation he elected to be called Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He continued to live in the Vatican City. ​