Benedict was the 265th Pope, Bishop of Rome, head of the Roman Catholic Church and supreme ruler of the independent Vatican city-state.
Former Pope Benedict XVI, better known as Joseph Alois Ratzinger, has died at the age of 95, plunging the Vatican into mourning.
“I am saddened to inform you that Mr Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died today at 09:34 (local time),” said Matteo Bruni, head of the Holy See’s press services, in a written statement, adding that “more information will be provided as soon as possible.”
Benedict XVI, who in 2013 became the first Pontiff to resigned after 600 years, he was receiving treatment in a former convent in the Vatican where he has since lived.
Benedict, the first German pope in 1,000 years, was elected on April 19, 2005, to succeed the highly popular Pope John Paul II, who headed the Roman Catholic church for 27 years.
Benedict announced his intention to resign on February 11, 2013. He stated that he no longer had the physical and mental strength to lead the church. On February 28 of the same year, he formally resigned and moved temporarily to the papal summer residence, south of Rome, while cardinals from around the world gathered in Rome to elect his successor. Francis, the first pope from Latin America, was elected his successor on March 13, 2013.
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