The Funeral of Former Pope Benedict XVI Will Be Held Jan 5, Presided over by Pope Francis

The Funeral of Former Pope Benedict XVI Will Be Held Jan 5, Presided over by Pope Francis

Pope Benedict XVI's funeral will be held on Thursday January 5, 2023 and will be presided over by Pope Francis, the Vatican has said. The German leader sends greetings to his fellow German Benedict XVI has been described as a good man by his fellow German, Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz sent a message on Twitter saying that the former Pope was "for many, not only in this country, a special leader of the church" He says his thoughts are with the current pope, Francis. The leaders of France and Italy praised the work of the former pope The leaders of France and Italy have expressed their views following the death of the former pope. In a Twitter message, French President Emmanuel Macron offered his condolences to the former leader of the Catholic Church for creating a "more fraternal world". He did it with "soul and mind", Macron adds. Benedict XVI was "a giant of faith and mind", adds Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in his message. He says the former pope spoke to people's "hearts and minds" - and will continue to do so. UK PM: Benedict was a 'great theologian' Condolences from world leaders continue to pour in following the death of Pope Benedict XVI. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he is saddened by the death of Benedict XVI, whom he describes as a "great theologian". Sunak adds that Benedict's visit to England in 2010 represented "a historic moment for Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our country".