Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI dies at age 95
Benedict XVI (formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) was elected in 2005 as a doctrinal conservative.
He was resigned as pope in 2013 and his resignation shocked the world.
On his election in April 2005, Pope Benedict XVI greeted the large crowd that had gathered at St. Peter’s.
Benedict’s funeral will take place in St. Peter’s Square.
Cardinal Ratzinger presided over the funeral Mass for Pope John Paul II in April 2005.
Pope Francis Will Preside Over Benedict’s Funeral on Thursday.
An unusual coexistence of two popes worked out, mostly.
At 86, Francis has his own health problems, raising questions about whether he, too, might retire.