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January 5, 2023 — St. Peter’s Square. After Archbishop Georg Gänswein has placed the Gospel and kissed the coffin, the Funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, presided over by Pope Francis, begins. One hundred-thirty cardinals, 400 bishops and 3,700 priests participated (Photos Grzegorz Galazka)
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s last words were “Lord, I love you.” His longtime secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, reported that he was told this by the nurse attending the dying Pope Emeritus in the early morning of December 31, 2022; Benedict died just hours later.
“Benedict XVI, with a faint voice but in a very distinct way, said in Italian, ‘Lord, I love you,’’’ Gänswein told the Vatican’s official media, adding that it happened when the aides tending to Benedict were changing shifts.
“I wasn’t there at that moment, but the nurse a little later recounted it,’’ the archbishop said. “They were his last comprehensible words, because afterwards, he wasn’t able to express himself any more.”
And so, with a final declaration of love for his Lord, Pope Benedict left behind his long life dedicated to fostering that same love among all the souls of the entire world.
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January 2 and 3, 2023 — St. Peter’s Basilica. The body of Pope Benedict XVI lies in state for two days, during which thousands of faithful pay their respects (Photos Grzegorz Galazka)
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Jan. 5, 2023 – Outside the Basilica. Pope Francis presides over the solemn funeral of the Pope Emeritus, celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals (Photos Grzegorz Galazka)
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Jan. 31, 2023 – Vatican Grottoes. In this exclusive photo by Grzegorz Galazka, Archbishop Georg Gänswein celebrates Holy Mass at the tomb of Pope Benedict XVI one month after his death
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