Pope Francis will officiate the funeral for the emeritus pontiff Benedict XVI, who died today at the age of 95, on January 5, at 9:30 a.m. in Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni reported.
The Vatican reported today the death of the German pontiff, who had resigned in 2013, with a brief statement: "It is with regret that I announce that the Pope emeritus Benedict XVI passed away at 9:34 hours in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery of the Vatican".
According to Bruni, Benedict XVI left as his last wish that his funeral be "as simple as possible. solemn but sober".
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 movement "Memores Domini " who have cared for him for almost 10 years in which he lived in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, in the Vatican gardens, as they took turns so as not to leave him alone for a moment.
Bruni also revealed that the pope emeritus received the sacrament of extreme unction last Wednesday, December 28, when his health conditions were already serious.
The funeral chapel of Benedict XVI will take place from this Monday, January 2, in the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican and the body will remain for a last farewell to the faithful until January 4.
Concern for the state of health of the German pope and theologian arose on Wednesday, December 28, when his successor, Francis, acknowledged that he was "very sick" and asked "a special prayer" to the faithful who attended his general audience.
Shortly after, the spokesman for the Holy See, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that the situation of Benedict XVI had "aggravated by his advanced age".
A day later, the Holy See assured that Benedict XVI there was "managed to get a good night’s rest, he was absolutely lucid and attentive" and remained "stable" despite gravity.
A situation that continued on December 30, when he presented some conditions "stable"although he was able to attend a mass celebrated in his room.
Benedict XVI had decided to spend these moments in his stay at the monastery where he has resided since his historic resignation from the papacy, announced on February 11, 2013 and consummated on the 28th of that same month, the first time in six centuries, since the time of Gregory. XII.