Funeral mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI(15 images)

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was laid to rest after a funeral mass at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on January 5, 2023. Pope Francis presided over the funeral, the first occasion in modern times that a pope oversaw the funeral of his predecessor. Benedict, who was elected pope in 2005 and retired in 2013, died at age 95 on December 31.

Pope Francis places his hand on the casket carrying the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Thursday. Francis presided over his predecessor's funeral mass. Photo by Vatican Pool

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Benedict's casket is covered during his funeral mass. Photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI

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Francis officiates the funeral. He succeeded Benedict, who retired in 2013, the first pope to step down in 600 years. Photo by Vatican Pool

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Benedict is laid to rest in a crypt beneath St. Peter's Basilica. Photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI

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