The Vatican’s chief spokesperson delivered a press release on Saturday, December 31, asserting that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had died at 9:34 am that morning. He was 95 years outdated. Director of the Holy See Press Workplace Matteo Bruni stated the previous pontiff died within the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery the place he had lived since his retirement in 2013. Earlier than his dying, Benedict XVI requested that his funerals be presided over by Pope Francis at St Peter’s Sq. within the Vatican Metropolis at 9:30 am on Thursday, January 5, Bruni stated. Benedict’s stays could be viewable in St Peter’s Basilica on Monday from 9am to 7pm, and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7am to 7pm, Bruni added. Credit score: Vatican Information through Storyful