The Pope Francisco will officiate the funeral for the emeritus pontiff Benedict XVIwho died this Saturday at the age of 95, on January 5, at 9:30 a.m. (8:30 GMT), in Saint Peter’s Square, the Vatican spokesman has reported, Matteo Bruni. According to Bruni, Benedict XVI left as his last will that his funeral be “as simple as possible. Solemn but sober”, so there will only be two foreign delegations, that of Italy and Germany.
He also explained that at the time of his death Benedict XVI was with his faithful secretary, Monsignor George Gansweinand with the four women from the ‘Memores Domini’ movement who have cared for him for almost 10 years in which he lived in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, in the Vatican gardens, as they took turns so as not to leave him alone for a moment.
[Joseph Ratzinger, el Papa de la ortodoxia cristiana que no pudo con el peso de la púrpura]
His remains will remain in this monastery until Monday, January 2, when they will be transferred to Saint Peter’s Basilica to be exhibited. Until January 5, the Basilica will be open from morning to night for those who want to say their last goodbye to Benedict XVI.
Bruni also revealed that the pope emeritus received the sacrament of extreme unction last Wednesday, December 28, when his health conditions were already serious.
The pope emeritus will be buried in the Vatican Grottoes.
“Very sick”
Concern for the state of health of the German pope and theologian arose on Wednesday, December 28, when his successor, Francis, acknowledged that he was “very ill” and asked for “a special prayer” from the faithful who attended his general audience.
Shortly after, the spokesman for the Holy See, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that Benedict XVI’s situation had been “aggravated by his advanced age.”
[Benedicto XVI, un pastor entre lobos]
A day later, the Holy See assured that Benedict XVI had “managed to rest well at night, was absolutely lucid and attentive” and remained “stable” despite gravity.
A situation that continued on December 30, when he presented “stable” conditions, although he was able to attend a mass celebrated in his room.
Benedict XVI had decided to spend these moments in his stay at the monastery where he has resided since his historic resignation from the papacy, announced on February 11, 2013 and consummated on the 28th of that same month, the first time in six centuries, since the time of Gregory. XII.
