Hundreds Attend Pope Benedict’s Funeral That Makes Historical past

Flags respectfully flew at half-mast in Vatican Metropolis on Thursday in a rare ceremony that noticed Pope Francis preside over the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who made historical past a decade in the past after saying his retirement.

Benedict, who was born Joseph Ratzinger in Bavaria, Germany, died on Dec. 31, 2022 on the age of 95.

The final time a dwelling pope presided over a uncommon requiem Mass over a useless pontiff was in 1802. Benedict turned the primary pope in 600 years to resign from workplace in February 2013, acknowledging his “incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted” to him. The final decade of his life, which outlasted his eight yr hold forth, was spent in papal retirement on the Mater Ecclesial Monastery within the Vatican Gardens.

Individuals pray as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 3, 2023, in Vatican Metropolis.

Christopher Furlong—Getty Pictures

Benedict’s determination to retire could also be what he’s most remembered for. Francis has praised Benedict’s transfer as brave, saying it “opened the door” for different popes to do the identical. The reigning pontiff, who’s 86-years-old and alternates between utilizing a wheelchair and cane, has mentioned he has outlined circumstances during which he would resign.

Benedict was a controversial determine. His legacy was tarnished by the clergy sexual abuse scandal, regardless of laying the groundwork for his or her punishment. As cardinal and later as Pope, Benedict passed legislation from 2004-2014 that defrocked almost 850 clergymen. Abuse survivors have criticized Benedict for not going far sufficient.

Forward of Thursday’s funeral, Benedict’s physique was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday. He lay in state forward of the funeral service the place his coffin was positioned earlier than the altar because the trustworthy recited rosary. Benedict notably requested a humble funeral compared to earlier popes and whereas his funeral bore some variations, resembling attracting fewer world leaders in an official capability—the prolonged order of service was just like a serving pope.

The physique of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 4, 2023 in Vatican Metropolis.

Massimo Valicchia—NurPhoto/Getty Pictures

Among the many mourners in attendance had been official delegations for Italy and Spain, as different heads of state and officers participated in a non-public capability. These included no less than 4 prime ministers and two delegations of royal representatives, the Associated Press reported. Sofia, former Queen of Spain; King Philippe of Belgium; Queen Mathilde of Belgium; Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy; Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy, had been all photographed among the many lots. Floods of cardinals additionally gathered dressed of their distinct crimson robes, alongside 200 bishops and about 3,700 clergymen.

As Benedict lay on the altar, two gadgets might be seen atop his coffin—a rosary he utilized in his lifetime and a scripture e-book. The Sistine Chapel choir featured prominently all through the service.

Pallbearers carry away the coffin of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI after the general public funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Sq. on Jan. 5, 2023. Within the entrance row are (from left) Sofia, former Queen of Spain, King Philippe of Belgium, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Giorgia Meloni (2nd from proper), Prime Minister of Italy, Sergio Mattarella (proper), President of Italy.

Oliver Weiken—dpa/image alliance/Getty Pictures

Benedict’s private secretary Archbishop Georg Gaenswein additionally shared the deceased’s remaining phrases, noting {that a} nurse instructed him the previous pope merely professed his like to God. “With only a whisper of a voice, however in a clearly distinguishable method, [Benedict] mentioned in Italian, ‘Lord, I really like you!’ I used to be not there for the time being, however the nurse instructed me about it shortly afterwards,” Gaenswein mentioned, based on Sky News.

The funeral service additionally included the Offertory Chant, earlier than the ceremony moved on to the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the second of two principal rites of mass, that remembers Jesus Christ’s final supper by presenting bread and wine on the altar. This was adopted by the Communion Ceremony as clergymen distributed bread dipped into wine and positioned wafers on the lips and tongue of anybody who stepped ahead.

On the finish of the service, some attendees shouted in Italian “Santo Subito!” or “Make him a saint now,” echoing comparable calls made on the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, based on Reuters. Whereas three of the final 5 popes have been honored with sainthood, solely round a 3rd of all pontiffs all through historical past have acquired the accolade.

Honoring Benedict’s request, he was buried within the so-called Vatican grottos, becoming a member of almost 150 of his predecessors below St Peter’s Basilica the place John XXIII and John Paul II, Benedict’s instant predecessor, had been interred earlier than their stays had been moved to the basilica above.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re swings a thurible of incense on the coffin of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI through the funeral mass at St. Peter’s sq. on Jan. 5, 2023 in Vatican Metropolis.

Antonio Masiello—Getty Pictures

The physique of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, his head resting on a pair of crimson pillows, lies in state in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican Metropolis, on Jan. 4, 2023, as hundreds of individuals filed by to pay tribute to the pontiff who shocked the world by retiring a decade in the past.

Antonio Calanni—AP

Trustworthy stand in St. Peter’s Sq. to bid farewell to the physique of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who’s specified by public in St. Peter’s Basilica, on Jan. 4, 2023.

Michael Kappeler—dpa/image alliance/Getty Pictures

Footage of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI are distributed outdoors St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican Metropolis, on Jan. 3, 2023.

Gregorio Borgia—AP

Friars put together for the communion through the Funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict (Cardinal Ratzinger) at St. Peter’s Sq. on Jan. 5, 2023 in Vatican Metropolis.

Franco Origlia—Getty Pictures

Church dignitaries attend the general public funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Sq..

Oliver Weiken—dpa/image alliance/Getty Pictures

Trustworthy attend the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Sq. in Vatican Metropolis on Jan. 5, 2023.

Gregorio Borgia—AP

Write to Armani Syed at armani.syed@time.com.