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

World-class cyclists to circle Vatican City, meet Pope Leo XIV

World-class cyclists will greet Pope Leo XIV and circle Vatican City on Sunday before embarking on the final lap of the Giro d’Italia, a multistage bicycle race that concludes in Rome.

Pope Francis: Like Our Lady of Guadalupe, mothers can be great evangelizers today

Our Lady of Guadalupe proclaimed the Gospel in “mother tongue,” Pope Francis said Wednesday in a message that

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.”

Celebrating World Day of Prayer for Vocations: Insights from Vatican Conference

Join us as we delve into the theme "Vocation: grace and mission" for the 60th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, celebrated on April 30th.

Cardinal Koch: ‘Suffering of illness’ a great challenge for aging Pope Francis

Cardinal Kurt Koch, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, reflected Tuesday on the great challenge of illness and suffering for Pope Francis as he approaches a month's hospital stay amid a series of health crises.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNit