Former pope Benedict XVI, 95

VATICAN CITY, Holy See – Former pope Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95, the Vatican announced Saturday, almost a decade after he became the first pontiff to resign in six centuries.

His death brings to an end an unprecedented situation in which two “men in white” — Benedict and his successor Pope Francis — had co-existed within the walls of the tiny city state.

“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,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement.

He later told journalists the funeral would take place on Thursday, January 5 at St Peter’s Square, presided over by Pope Francis.

The body of Benedict will be displayed from Monday morning in St Peter’s Basilica, to allow the faithful to pay their respects.

Crowds visiting St Peter’s on Saturday expressed sorrow at the news of his death, but also admiration.

“We are distraught,” said Davide Di Tommaso, 30, from the southern Italian region of Molise, adding: “He was truly a great pope.”