Former Pope Benedict, who in 2013 became the first pope in 600 years to resign rather than rule for life, has died in Rome at the age of 95.
Benedict, officially known as Pope emeritus, became the first German Pope in 1,000 years when he was elected to the papacy in April 2005 following the death of the popular Pope John Paul II.
Before being known as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Benedict is until now head of the powerful Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which sets guidelines for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. He was seen by the cardinals as a safe pair of hands who could ensure continuity after the long reign of his predecessors.
But Benedict, a scientific theological conservative, cardinal and follower of the church was shocked when in February 2013, after less than nine years in power, he announced that he was resigning from the Papacy, saying that he did not have the physical strength for the task.
At the time the Catholic church was beset by scandals, including revelations of widespread sexual abuse of children that the church had previously failed to respond decisively.
Benedict temporarily moved to the papal summer residence as his successor, Argentine Jesuit Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected, becoming Pope Francis.
Pope Francis respects his predecessors, despite differences in ideology and style.
Benedict has been described by critics as “God’s Rottweiler” for his harsh discipline of Latin American priests who have embraced left-oriented liberation theology and as Pope he is known for displaying traditional dignity.
His successor Francis is known for his strong focus on the poor and neediest elements of Argentine society when he became archbishop of Buenos Aires, and has continued his humble style since becoming Pope.
Although Benedict has promised to keep a low profile after retirement, he has written books and given interviews from his home in a former monastery in the Vatican, and has become a focal point for church conservatives uncomfortable with Francis’ reforms.
But Francis praised his predecessor, describing him as having a grandfather in place.
A few days ago, Francis asked for special prayers for the ailing Pope emeritus.
“He is very sick, asking God to sustain him in his witness of love for the church until the end,” Francis said on Wednesday in an unexpected comment at the end of his weekly public audience.
The Vatican confirmed Benedict’s death in a statement released on Saturday morning. He will lie in state at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican from Monday; The funeral will take place there and will be led by Pope Francis.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Benedict was a “giant of faith and reason”. “He laid down his life to serve the church,” he said.