The year 2023 began in the Vatican with the death of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI at the age of 95. Pope Francis dedicated a message to his predecessor during his homily at the New Year's Mass and also during the Angelus.
POPE FRANCIS
We entrust the beginning of the New Year to Mary Most Holy, whom we celebrate today as Mother of God. In these hours we invoke her intercession, in particular, for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who left this world yesterday morning.
During those days, thousands of pilgrims passed through the Vatican to say goodbye to their Pope of 8 years. The data provided by the Vatican indicated that 200,000 people were in St. Peter's Basilica to say their last farewell to Benedict XVI.
CAMILA ALTAMIRANO
We heard that the Pope had passed away. So we wanted to come to see the body and because it is an important moment.
VALERIA ALTAMIRANO
I did not expect him to die. I knew he had been in a delicate condition for some time and it is a shame at this time of year. But it is a historic moment for us to be here.
The funeral, held on January 5, became a historic day, as it was the first time that a pope presided over the funeral of another pope. It was a sober and serene ceremony, just as the pontiff wanted, and was attended by some 50,000 people.
As usual, Pope Francis presided at the Epiphany Mass on January 6 and, the following day, on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, the pope baptized the children of Vatican employees in the Sistine Chapel.
POPE FRANCIS
They should learn to pray as children, at least to do so with their hands, with gestures… They should learn to pray as children because prayer will be what gives them strength throughout their lives. In good times to thank God and in hard times to find strength.
A few days later, Australian Cardinal George Pell died due to complications in an operation. He was known for being one of the close collaborators of Pope Francis, who put him in charge of the Secretariat of Economy to improve finances and transparency within the Vatican.
At the end of January, Pope Francis was preparing for one of the trips he had to postpone months before due to his knee problems. He traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan from January 31 to February 5.
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TR: AT
