Pope Francis accused some of his critics on Sunday (February 5) of taking advantage of retired Pope Benedict XVI’s death to score ideological points in the latest salvo in the partisan divide of the Catholic Church.

Pope accuses critics of exploiting Pope Benedict XVI’s death

Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in Vatican City for the funeral of former Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday (January 5), led by his successor Pope Francis. Benedict, who in 2013 became the first pontiff in 600 years to resign, died last Saturday (December 31, 2022) at the age of 95 due to sickness.

Former Pope Benedict XVI laid to rest in solemn burial at Vatican, Pope Francis leads mass

In pics - World mourns Pope Benedict XVI during funeral in Vatican City

Following the confirmation of the demise of Pope Benedict XVI, former Catholic Church leader, tributes started pouring in from world leaders. Benedict passed away three days after the current church leader, Pope Francis warned the world he was "gravely" ill.

From King Charles to Indian PM Modi: World pays tribute to former Catholic Church leader Pope Benedict XVI

The former pope, Benedict XVI’s body will lie in state for three days at St Peter's Basilica before his funeral, on Thursday, as per AFP. Catholics from across the world, on Monday, will be able to pay tribute to the German theologian who passed away on December 31 at the age of 95 and led the church for eight years before stepping down in 2013.

Former Pope Benedict's lying in state at Vatican begins ahead of funeral on Thursday

The 95-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away in Vatican City after a period of poor health. In a statement from the Vatican, Benedict, who was the first pope in almost 600 years to resign from office rather than keep it for life, passed away on Saturday.

Vatican: Former Pope Benedict XVI dies at 95, tributes pour in