Former pontiff Benedict XVI passes away

Agencies | Vatican City

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Former Pope Benedict died on Saturday in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican, a spokesman for the Holy See said.

"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 spokesman said in a written statement.

His health had been steadily deteriorating and he was said to be "very ill" earlier this week.