VATICAN CITY: Former Pope Benedict XVI, aged 95, passed away at his Vatican residence on Saturday.”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,” Vatican News tweeted.

Pope Francis had asked to pray for the “very sick” former Pope two days back.”I want to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict who sustains the Church in his silence. He is very sick,” Pope Francis said on Wednesday.In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI resigned from his position, citing “advanced age”. He the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.