The former Pope Benedict XVI is being laid to rest at Vatican City.
The German theologian died at the age of 95 on Saturday (31 January). His funeral will take place today (Thursday 5 January), with his successor Pope Francis saying Mass at St Peter’s Square.
Benedict XVI, who made history as the first Pope to resign from the position since Gregory XII in 1415 when he quit in 2013, will be buried in the tombs under St Peter’s Basilica. He will be lying in state at the cathedral from Monday (2 January) until Wednesday (4 January) and worshippers from around the world are expect to visit him.
The Vatican has announced that the funeral will be a simple one, in keeping with the wishes of Benedict, who for decades as a German cardinal had served as the Church’s guardian of doctrinal orthodoxy before he was elected pope in 2005.
Pope Benedict had ill health in recent years, he previously suffered a mild stroke in 2005. He retired in 2013 due to his health. An official cause of death has not been announced.
With thousands preparing to say goodbye to the former head of the Catholic Church this week, we’ve taken a look back at his visit to Birmingham in 2010.
Arriving by helicopter, his visit to Cofton Park attracted a crowd of 60,000 people. Benedict conducted Mass at Cofton Park in September 2010, where he also started the process to beatify Cardinal John Henry Newman.
He also gave a speech to all Bishops at Oscott College, and people also lined the streets of Hagley Road as Pope Benedict paid a visit to the Oratory of Saint Philip church.
Here are 36 photos of highlights from his visit to Birmingham:
1. Pope Benedict XVI is surrounded by pilgrims as he arrives for the beatification mass of Cardinal Newman at Cofton Park
2. Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leaves Oscott College on September 19
3. Pope Benedict XVI kisses a baby as arrives in the Popemobile in Cofton Park
4. Pope Benedict XVI leads the beatification mass of Cardinal Newman at Cofton Park