The former Pope Benedict XVI died at the age of 95, on December 31, 2022. Benedict led the Catholic Church for less than eight years, from 2005 to 2013. The former Pope’s death was announced by ringing the bells from Munich cathedral and a single bell ringing from St.Peter’s Square in Rome.
The head of the Catholic Church in England, Cardinal Vincent Nicholas, said that Pope Benedict was “one of the great theologians of the 20th century”. After hearing the news of the prelate’s death, people gathered in St. Peter’s Square. The great pontiff is often described as a great intellectual and scholar. Here’s more about the fortune that he made through his services. And also the reason why he resigned from his position.
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How Rich Was Pope Benedict XVI?
Pope Benedict has a net worth of $2.5 million, as per multiple sources. According to CNBC reports, he received a monthly pension of $3,300 after stepping down from his position as the head of the Catholic Church. The Church covered much of his other expenses including living and housing. After his retirement, the former Pope spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, within the walls of the Vatican. This is where he passed away.
The former Pope was born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger in Marktl, Germany. The pontiff had worked for the church his whole life. He became the head of the Church at the age of 78, thus becoming one of the oldest Popes ever elected. The Vatican announced that the prelate’s body would lie in state, in St.Peter’s Basilica.
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Why Did Benedict XVI Resign?
Benedict XVI shocked the world by resigning from his position as the Pope in 2013. Thus he had become the first pope in six centuries to resign. In the announcement then made, the reason cited was the loss of stamina and his “advanced age”. So he stepped down at the age of 85 “for the good of the church“.
There are also other attributes to the resignation of Benedict XVI. This includes the controversies on the series of Vatican documents that exposed the corruption behind the organization. The former pontiff was also called out for his failure to act in four child abuse cases. These happened during his tenure as the archbishop of Munich and Freising.
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