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Pope Francis presided over the funeral of his predecessor, recalling his "wisdom, tenderness and devotion"

The world bids farewell to Benedict XVI

Benedict XVI, the theologian pope who failed to defeat the crows, dies

Benedict XVI's funeral to be held on January 5 in St. Peter's Square

Spanish Jewish communities mourn the death of Pope Benedict XVI

benedicto-xvi
Margarita Arredondas
Updated: 06/01/23 | 9:13
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Thousands of faithful, political authorities and religious leaders have gathered in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City to bid farewell to Pope Benedict XVI, who died last Saturday at the age of 95.

Benedict XVI - whose secular name was Joseph Ratzinger - was born in Germany and became leader of the Catholic Church in May 2005 after the death of John Paul II. However, in February 2013, Benedict XVI stepped down, something that had not happened since the 15th century.  

The current pontiff, Francis, presided over Ratzinger's funeral, which was "solemn but sober", as the pope emeritus wanted. The ceremony was attended by 125 cardinals, 200 bishops and some 3,700 priests, according to Reuters. Since Benedict XVI was not head of state when he died, only Italy and Germany sent official delegations to the funeral. 

However, several political authorities attended in a personal capacity, including Spain's Queen Emeritus Sofia and Belgium's King Philippe and his wife Matilda, reports EFE. The funeral was also attended by ambassadors and delegations from other religions, such as Islam, Judaism and Buddhism. "He was a great pope, he did a lot for interreligious dialogue," said Mustafa Aydin, a Muslim and professor from Naples, in statements reported by ABC.  

Benedict XVI met with Muslim and Jewish leaders and visited several synagogues and mosques, such as the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, where he took off his shoes and prayed with his arms crossed in the same way as an imam at his side. This gesture was seen by many Muslims as a sign of profound respect and tolerance.

Similarly, Benedict XVI was the first pope to visit the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, Judaism's holiest site, and prayed at the Great Synagogue in Rome. 

Pope Francis urges to "follow in the footsteps" of Benedict XVI 

During the funeral, the current pope highlighted Ratzinger's "wisdom, tenderness and dedication" "over the years". He called on the members of the Church to "follow in his footsteps". Benedict XVI was a pioneer in the fight against paedophilia within the religious institution.

This commitment was reflected in the parchment that was placed inside the coffin. "He fought resolutely against crimes committed by members of the clergy against minors or vulnerable people, continually calling the Church to conversion, prayer, penance and purification," the note said. 

During his tenure as religious leader, Benedict XVI tried to deal with an institution that, in his own words, was overrun by "filth", referring to the sexual abuse of minors. Ratzinger sent letters of forgiveness to victims, met with some of them and sanctioned the influential Mexican priest Marcial Maciel Degollado, founder of the Legionaries of Christ, accused of sexual abuse. Ratzinger has also always firmly rejected accusations that he covered up abuse.

Pope Francis, during the funeral, has asked the faithful to "pay their respects" to Benedict XVI, remembering him as "a great master of catechesis". "May he help us rediscover in Christ the joy of believing and the hope of living," he added.  

"Father, into your hands I commend your spirit. Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom, may your joy be complete as you listen to his voice, now and always," Francis concluded.

Once the nearly three-hour ceremony was over, the Pope Emeritus' coffin was transferred to the crypt of St Peter's Basilica, where he will be buried in the tomb that formerly belonged to John Paul II, as Benedict XVI wished. John Paul II's body was moved to St Stephen's Chapel inside the church after his beatification in 2011. 

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