The body of former pope Benedict will be placed in St. Peter’s Basilica from January 2. VATICAN

UAE leaders send condolences over death of former pope Benedict

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent his condolences over the death of former pope Benedict XVI. Sheikh Mohamed sent a cable of condolences to Pope Francis, the successor of the former pope. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also sent a similar cable of condolence to Pope Francis. Former pope Benedict died on Saturday (December 31). 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 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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