Joseph Ratzinger, better known as Benedict XVI, died this Saturday, December 31 at the age of 95, the Vatican reported. The first German Pope will be remembered for resigning from his position in 600 years due to sexual abuse and mismanagement of the Catholic Church.

The Pope Francis greets the faithful gathered after his Christmas blessing urbi et orbi in the Vatican on December 25, 2021. Photo: AFP

The Pope emeritus died at 9:34 a.m. at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican, the residence Benedict XVI had chosen after resigning in 2013.

"With sadness, I announce that Pope emeritus Benedict XVI passed away today at 9:34 a.m. at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be provided as soon as possible," stated the press release by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office.

On the other hand, it is known that on Thursday, January 5 at 9:30 a.m., the funeral will be held in St. Peter's Square. Additionally, Bruni indicated that Benedict received the Anointing of the Sick last Wednesday and it was revealed that before his death, the Pope emeritus requested that everything be marked by the simplicity in which he lived.

Who was Benedict XVI, the "rottweiler of God"

Benedict XVI was a piano professor and theologian who was born on April 16, 1927, in the Bavarian village of Marktl am Inn, Germany. In 1951, he was ordained as a priest, later in 1977, he was appointed cardinal and then became the main theological advisor to Pope John Paul II, and then elected Pope in April 2005, following the death of Karol Józef Wojtyła.

On the other hand, he is characterized by resigning on February 11, 2013 from his position due to differences with the church, likewise, he announced to his cardinals that his advanced age he felt frail to lead an institution with more than 1.3 billion members.