Former Pope Benedict Dies at 95

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Former Pope Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday in a Vatican monastery after his health condition deteriorated.

"With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican," the Vatican announced.

Benedict — whose birth name was Joseph Ratzinger — stepped down from the role in 2013, citing his declining health. He was the first pope to resign since the Middle Ages.

Benedict was pope from April 2005 until his surprise resignation in February 2013.

On Wednesday, Pope Francis said Benedict was "very sick" and asked Catholic Church members to pray for him.

The Vatican is set to announce the plans for the funeral.

Source: Agencies