World Mourns Pope Benedict XVI at Vatican Funeral

VATICAN CITY - Under a gray Roman sky, tens of thousands of mourners from around the world gathered in St. Peter's Square to bid farewell to Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis presided over the funeral Mass, a historic event marking the first time a sitting pope has officiated the funeral of his predecessor.

The ceremony was steeped in tradition, with prayers and hymns echoing through the square. Dignitaries and religious leaders from across the globe joined the faithful in honoring Benedict XVI's life and contributions to the Catholic Church.

Benedict XVI, who served as pope from 2005 to 2013, passed away on December 31st at the age of 95. His papacy was marked by both intellectual rigor and challenges, including the handling of the Church's sexual abuse crisis.

A key theme discussed was Benedict XVI's legacy as a brilliant theologian and his significant decision to resign from the papacy due to his declining health. This act paved the way for Pope Francis and ushered in a new era for the Catholic Church.

Following the funeral Mass, Pope Benedict XVI's remains were interred in the Vatican grottoes, beneath St. Peter's Basilica.