Just In: Pope Benedict dies aged 95

Former Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95, the Vatican announced in a statement on Saturday, December 31. This comes almost a decade after he resigned because of ailing health.

Recall that Benedict led the Catholic Church for less than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415. Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican, BBC news reports.

“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. Further information will be provided as soon as possible,” the Vatican said.