Description
Added on the 31/12/2022 12:00:06 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
Images of Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City, after the Vatican announced the death of former pope Benedict XVI at the age of 95. "With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement. IMAGES
In the crypt housing the tombs of the Popes, the tomb of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI opens to the faithful. Pilgrims come to the crypt to pay their respects to the late Pope, who was known as Pope Emeritus since resigning in 2013. IMAGES
Preparations for the funeral of Benedict XVI are almost complete in St Peter's Square. Barriers and hundreds of chairs have been set up to welcome those who will come to attend the funeral of the Pope Emeritus on Thursday December 5. IMAGES
Mass is held in the cathedral in the city of Regensburg, where the late former pope Benedict XVI taught at the university between 1969 and 1977 and came back regularly to visit his brother, the leader of the cathedral choir. Benedict, who passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 95, had shocked the world in 2013 when he became the first pope since the Middle Ages to step down, citing his declining mental and physical health. IMAGES
Pope Francis will preside over the funeral for former pope Benedict XVI, who has died at the age of 95, on January 5, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni says. SOUNDBITE
U.S. President Barack Obama attends an outdoor arrival ceremony in heavy rain, as the first sitting U.S. president to visit Laos. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).