Man Jose Kayima
Former Pope Benedict XVI has passed on at his residence in Vatican, aged 95.
He replaced Pope John Paul II in 2005 but step down in 2013 due to ailing health.
He became the first Pope to resign in 600 years since Gregory XII in 1415.
Pope Benedict XVI was also the first German to lead the Catholic Church in over 1000 years.
Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican.
“With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican.” Vatican announced.
His body will be placed in St. Peter’s Basilica from 2nd January from the greeting of the faithful.
Born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany, Benedict was 78 when in 2005 he became one of the oldest popes ever elected.
