Skip to content

Benedict XVI’s final resting place decided: He will be buried in Vatican crypt

Benedict XVI will be buried in the crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican said Saturday afternoon.

Benedict’s death, at the age of 95, was announced in Rome on Dec. 31. His body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica from the morning of Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, until his funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Jan. 5, 2023.

The tombs in the Vatican crypt are close to the remains of the Catholic Church’s first pope, St. Peter the Apostle.

Benedict XVI’s remains will stay at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery until Jan. 2, 2022, the Vatican said. No official visits or public prayers are planned.

His body will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2023, and from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. on Jan. 3 and 4, 2023, in St. Peter’s Basilica, where members of the public may pay their final respects.

The funeral Mass on Jan. 5, 2023, will take place at 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. Attendance is free and requires no reservation.

At the end of the Mass, there will be the Final Commendation and valediction before Benedict XVI’s coffin is carried to the Vatican crypt for burial.

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

Claims of phony Vatican art licensing ‘scheme’ draw strong denials

An Italian publishing house involved in immersive art exhibitions has denied an American attorney’s claim that it is

Pope Francis to Synod on Synodality: ‘Do not sadden the Holy Spirit’

Pope Francis in his opening remarks for the Synod on Synodality on Wednesday offered guidance to participants on

Pope Francis: ‘God Does Not Pass By Without Looking For Those Who are Lost’

Pope Francis on Wednesday said Jesus continues to go out in search of those who are lost or without hope in a catechesis titled “Jesus Christ Our Hope.”

55 Year Anniversary of Sant’Egidio Community

On Thursday, February the 9th, the Basilica of St. John Lateran hosted an extraordinary Eucharistic Celebration presided over

The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter

February 22 marks the feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, an ancient celebration within the Catholic Church. Here we share four lesser-known facts about this festivity.

Pope Francis sends message from hospital to European political party

While recovering in the hospital, Pope Francis sent a message to the largest political party in the European

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com