Pope Francis was the first to arrive at Benedict XVI’s home after the news of his death on Saturday, said Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See’s press office. He added that the pope stopped for prayer in the former monastery building of Mater Ecclesiae, where his predecessor lived. On Sunday, the Vatican released photos of the late pope emeritus resting in the Mater Ecclesiae chapel.
Retired Pope Benedict XVI died on Saturday morning in the former Mater Ecclesiae monastery building in the Vatican Gardens, where he has lived since his historic resignation in 2013. He was 95 years old.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters that Francis was the first person to arrive at Benedict XVI’s home upon hearing the news of his death. He also informed that “private visits” are made to Mater Ecclesiae on Sunday.
There is the body of the retired pope, which will be on display for three days in St. Peter’s Basilica, starting at 9am on Monday. On Sunday, the Vatican released photographs showing the late Benedict XVI resting in a chapel in a former monastery building.
The Vatican has published a photo of the late retired Pope Benedict XVIPAP/EPA/VATICAN MEDIA
Funeral Mass of Benedict XVI
The transfer of the body from Mater Ecclesiae to the Vatican Basilica will not be a public event. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday in Saint Peter’s Square. After that, Benedict XVI will be buried in the Vatican Grottoes.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/VATICAN MEDIA