Pope Francis will continue with his agenda this Saturday without changes after the death of Benedict XVI at the age of 95 at 9:34 am. Francis will pray at 17:00 vespers and the ‘Te Deum’ in thanksgiving for the year that ends, as planned, as reported by the Vatican.
Benedict XVI’s funeral will be held on Thursday, January 5, at 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square and the Mass will be presided over by Pope Francis, Vatican press office director Matteo Bruni said. It is the first time in the modern history of the Church that a Pope who resigned dies, so the ceremonies that will take place these days will mark a historical precedent for the future in view of the possibility that there will be more pontiffs who will follow his example. Moreover, «following the wishes of the Pope Emeritus, the funeral will be held in a simple manner,» said Bruni.
The body of the late Benedict XVI will be exposed in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican where he will be honored by the faithful who wish to pay their last respects to him starting this Monday.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
