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

A 90-year-old cardinal from Hong Kong will be allowed by the authorities to attend the funeral of former pope Benedict XVI after he was arrested last year under the national security law, a source told AFP.

Hong Kong court allows Cardinal Zen to attend funeral of Pope Benedict XVI

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

Former Pope Benedict XVI died at his Vatican residence at the age of 95, the Vatican announced on Saturday. He led the Catholic Church for about eight years until 2013 and was one of the oldest Popes to be ever elected.

Former Pope Benedict XVI passes away at 95 in Vatican City

The Italian media reported on Thursday that former pope Benedict XVI continues to suffer from serious health issues but his condition was currently stable. Pope Francis informed the public that Benedict was “very ill” and requested everyone to pray for him during his address on Wednesday.

Former pope Benedict XVI's health condition 'serious but stable', says media

Retired Pope Benedict XVI has asked for forgiveness over his handling of clergy sex abuse cases, but denied any personal or specific wrongdoing while he was archbishop of Munich.

Former Pope Benedict XVI asks for forgiveness over his handling of sex abuse cases

In a confession made by former Pope Benedict XVI on Monday, he admitted that he was present at a meeting in 1980 where an abusive priest was discussed. He further claimed that he mistakenly told German investigators he was not there.

Ex-Pope Benedict XVI confesses about faulty testimony in German abuse case

Former pope Benedict XVI failed to stop four clergymen accused of child sex abuse in the Catholic Church in Munich, the law firm that carried out a key probe said on Thursday.

Ex-pope Benedict accused of inaction in abuse cases

February 28 in History: From Nylon's invention to Pope's resignation, and more

Pope Francis and his predecessor, former pope Benedict XVI have received Covid-19 jabs, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday. "The first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and the Pope Emeritus," spokesman Matteo Bruni was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

Pope Francis, Benedict XVI receive coronavirus vaccines

Former Pope Benedict XVI became seriously ill himself after visiting his sick brother in Germany in June and is "extremely frail", according to a report in the Monday edition of the German Passauer Neue Presse newspaper.

Former pope Benedict XVI 'extremely frail': Report

Former Pope Benedict, in a new book written with a conservative cardinal, defends priestly celibacy in the Catholic Church in what appears to be a strategically timed appeal to Pope Francis to not change the rules.

Former Pope Benedict breaks silence on celibacy debate after synod