Former pope Benedict has died at the age of 95. Reportedly he was the first pope to resign since pope Gregory XII was superceded in 1318. According to a report, the only other pope to resign was Celestine V in 1249 whose successor Boniface imprisoned him and negated all his decrees except one allowing a pope to resign.
Reportedly, Pope Benedict died at 8.30 on the morning of December 31. Reportedly, his body will lie in state in St Peter’s basilica from Monday, and his funeral will be held at 8.30 am on January 5.
According to a report, during the second world war Joseph Ratzinger, didn’t want to be involved with the killing of jewish people and went absent without leave. Reportedly, he was ordained as a priest in Bavaria in 1951 and following ordination he studied theology, becoming a professor. According to reports, he became arch bishop of Munich and Friesing and after a long career in several universities he was made cardinal by pope Paul VI. Reportedly, he presided over the college of cardinals, the majority of whom are eligible to vote for a new pope. Benedict was a writer. In one of his books he spoke about salvation by good works. He was succeded by pope Francis who is ecumemical.