The Facts
The Holy See Press Office has announced Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday – three days after Pope Francis informed the world he was gravely ill – in his residence at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery at the age of 95.
The Vatican announced that the former pope's body would lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City from Monday to allow the faithful to pay respects, adding Pope Francis would preside at Benedict's funeral in St. Peter's Square on Thursday.
The Spin
Narrative A
Pope Benedict was a revered teacher, a theologian, and a resolute conservative. His shock resignation in 2013 was an extraordinary act of humility, which humanized the papacy. Not only will he be remembered as the first pope to step down, but also the first pope who tackled sexual abuse scandals in the church. After his resignation, Benedict remained a powerful conservative influence and continued to give his soul to a legacy that would forever stand.
Narrative B
Pope Benedict's death could reshape the Catholic Church. The Vatican has had a pope and an ex-pope since Benedict retired in 2013. With Benedict's passing, a sitting pope will preside over his predecessor's funeral, and the Church will not elect a pontiff — a first. Eventually, the Church may have to normalize the resignation of a pope and set new protocols in the event of an ex-Pope's demise.
