Benedict, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, was pope from 2005 until his resignation in 2013. ARCHIVE

Former pope Benedict XVI died on Saturday (December 31), the Vatican announced. He was 95. Benedict died at his Vatican residence at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, nearly a decade after he stepped down as pope due to ailing health. His funeral will be held on January 5 and will be led by his successor, Pope Francis. The body of former pope Benedict will be placed in St. Peter’s Basilica from January 2 for the public to pay their last respects. Benedict, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, was pope from 2005 until his resignation in 2013, becoming the first pontiff to resign in 600 years. ICA/Expat Media
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