Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City – Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI mass was held Thursday with Pope Francis presiding. Tens of thousands of mourners were in attendance at St. Peter’s Square. This was the first time for a reigning pope to preside over a former pope. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 and was the first pope in 600 years to resign, stating ill health.
Timothy Cardinal Dolan traveled to Rome to pay a personal tribute. Timothy Cardinal Dolan was appointed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as Archbishop of New York in 2009. When the passing of Emeritus Benedict XVI was announced St. Patrick’s Cathedral held a prayer service and rang the bells 95 times to represent each year of the former pope’s life.
Mitchell Walters/Nancy Ann Peterson, photographer, 4:00pm, Jan. 6, 2023