Catholics worldwide are mourning the loss of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who occupied the Chair of Saint Peter from 2005 until 2013. He passed away on New Year’s Eve at the age of 95. More than 100,000 have visited St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City since Monday to pay their respects to the former pontiff, whose mortal remains lie in state there until Wednesday evening.
Born Joseph Ratzinger on April 16, 1927 in Bavaria, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1951 and served as a peritus (expert advisor) at the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. His career included time alternately as a university professor, archbishop, and cardinal, and he was a celebrated author.