Dead Benedict XVI: what the unpublished funeral of the pope emeritus will be like

Pope Francis will officiate the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVIdied today at the age of 95, on January 5, at 9:30 (5:30 in Argentina), in St. Peter’s Square, said the Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni.

The Vatican announced today the death of the German pontiff, who resigned in 2013, in a brief statement: “It is with regret that I announce that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away at 9:34 am (5:34 am Argentina time). in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery of the Vatican”.

According to Bruni, Benedict XVI He left it as his last wish that his funeral be “as simple as possible. Solemn but restrained.”

He also explained that at the time of his death, Benedict XVI was with his faithful secretary, Monsignor George Ganswein, and with the four women of the “Memores Domini” movement who took care of him for almost 10 years in which he lived at the Mater Monastero Ecclesiae, in the Vatican gardens, well they took turns not to leave him alone for a moment.

Bruni also revealed that the pope emeritus he received the sacrament of extreme unction last Wednesday, December 28thwhen his health conditions were already serious.

The funeral chapel of Benedict XVI will take place from this Monday 2 January in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and the body will remain for a last farewell to the faithful until January 4th.

Concern over the health conditions of the German pope and theologian emerged on Wednesday 28 December, when his successor, Francis, acknowledged that he was “very ill” and asked for “a special prayer” of the faithful present at the general audience.

Shortly afterwards, the spokesman of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni, confirmed the situation of Benedict XVI they had been “aggravated on account of advanced age”.

The next day, the Holy See assured that Benedict XVI “managed to rest well at night, was absolutely lucid and attentive” and remained “stable” despite the gravity.

A situation that continued on December 30, when he presented “stable” conditions, despite being able to attend a mass celebrated in his room.

Benedict XVI had decided to spend these moments during his stay at the monastery where he has resided since his historic resignation from the papal throne, announced on February 11, 2013 and consummated on the 28th of that same month, the first time after six centuries, since the time by Gregory XII.

an unprecedented situation

The death of Benedict XVI, although expected due to his age and health conditions, marks an unprecedented situation for the Catholic Church. The Vatican has rituals and detailed procedures to follow when a pontiff dies, but he did not publish such rules for a pope emeritus.

“The Funeral of a Pope Emeritus It is the funeral of the bishop emeritus of Rome”explained the ecclesiastical historian Alberto Melloni.

Despite the resignation from the papal throne of Benedict XVI almost ten years ago, It was a historical and practically unprecedented event in the centuries of history of the Catholic Church., your possible dismissal in the event of death will not be a completely new situation. Dioceses around the world have figured out how to properly honor retired bishops.

The volume “Roman Ritual” establishes how liturgical rites should be celebrated, with specific prayers and readings.

However, some adjustments are needed: because Benedict XVI was head of state, the funeral will presumably acquire greater pomp and there will be official delegations from all over the world.

When Benedict XVI announced his retirement in February 2013, he opened up uncharted papal territory. From his title, “pope emeritus,” to his decision to keep the white robe of the papacy, he’s largely created a new playbook to encompass both the reigning and outgoing pope.

Now they have to write a new chapter, to define how to say goodbye.

With information from EFE