Skip to content

Vatican shares first photos of Benedict XVI after death

The Vatican on Sunday shared the first photos of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI since his death on Dec. 31.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

Benedict’s mortal remains have been laid in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, the pope emeritus’ home after his resignation, until they will be brought to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing on Jan. 2.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

Benedict XVI is dressed in red and gold vestments and wearing a gold miter. Popes are traditionally dressed in red for their funerals.

The former pope has his rosary in his folded hands.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

The photos, the first of the deceased Benedict to be released, were taken on the morning of Jan. 1.

Benedict XVI will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica from Jan. 2-4. His funeral Mass will take place in the Vatican square on the morning of Jan 5.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

The funeral will be solemn, but sober, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

After the funeral Mass, Benedict XVI’s remains will be entombed in the Vatican crypt, under St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

Bruni told journalists on Jan. 1 that some of the people closest to Benedict, likely those who worked for him in his household, will view the body at the Vatican monastery on Sunday.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

At general audience, Pope Leo XIV laments ‘fatigue of living’ afflicting modern society

Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday addressed what he called the “fatigue of living” as one of the ailments afflicting modern society, and he urged the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square to face reality with the grace of Jesus.

Pope Francis celebrates World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Calling for “a new bond between the young and old,” Pope Francis marked the third annual World Day

Religious sister tells how she discovered her vocation at a WYD thanks to Benedict XVI

Speaking from World Youth Day in Lisbon, the “City of Joy,” a Iesu Communio (Communion in Jesus) sister

A timeline of Pope Francis’ 10 years as pope

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the election of Pope Francis as the 265th successor of St. Peter.

Pope Francis: “Jesus is Not a Solitary Leader”

Pope Francis reminds us that "the Church is a network woven from Eucharistic communion, where unity is not based on likes, but on truth, on the amen."

Pope Francis At 88: Age-Old Wisdom, Intergenerational Dialogue At Heart Of Evangelization

Pope Francis, who celebrates his 88th birthday today, has become one of the oldest-serving popes in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com