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Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died on Saturday, December 31, the Vatican confirmed in a statement. He was 95.

According to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, the former pope's health had deteriorated in the past several weeks.

Benedict XVI became pope in 2005 and resigned in 2013, citing his "advanced age." He was the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.

Benedict was born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger in Marktl am Inn, Germany, in 1927. He's seen here on the left along with other members of his family in 1938: his brother, Georg; his mother, Maria; his sister, Maria; and his father, Joseph.
Benedict was born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger in Marktl am Inn, Germany, in 1927. He's seen here on the left along with other members of his family in 1938: his brother, Georg; his mother, Maria; his sister, Maria; and his father, Joseph.
German Catholic News Agency/Getty Images
This photo of Benedict was taken in 1943, when he was drafted by the German army. He later deserted and was taken prisoner by the US Army.
This photo of Benedict was taken in 1943, when he was drafted by the German army. He later deserted and was taken prisoner by the US Army.
AFP/Getty Images
Benedict, center, prays during an open-air Mass near Ruhpolding, Germany, in 1952. He was ordained as a priest in 1951.
Benedict, center, prays during an open-air Mass near Ruhpolding, Germany, in 1952. He was ordained as a priest in 1951.
AFP/Getty Images
Benedict poses for a photo in 1959, when he was a professor of dogmatic theology at the University of Freising in 1955. He taught at various colleges until 1969.
Benedict poses for a photo in 1959, when he was a professor of dogmatic theology at the University of Freising in 1955. He taught at various colleges until 1969.
AFP/Getty Images
Benedict, left, was one of five new cardinals created by Pope Paul VI in June 1977.
Benedict, left, was one of five new cardinals created by Pope Paul VI in June 1977.
Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Benedict is greeted by people in Munich, Germany, in July 1977. He was the archbishop of Munich and Freising.
Benedict is greeted by people in Munich, Germany, in July 1977. He was the archbishop of Munich and Freising.
dpa/picture alliance/Getty Images
Benedict prays next to Mother Teresa in September 1978.
Benedict prays next to Mother Teresa in September 1978.
AFP/Getty Images
Pope John Paul II, a few days after becoming pope, greets Benedict at the Vatican in October 1978.
Pope John Paul II, a few days after becoming pope, greets Benedict at the Vatican in October 1978.
AP
Pope John Paul II signs the new Roman Catholic Code of Canon Law in 1983. Benedict, second from right, served as the Pope's chief theological adviser.
Pope John Paul II signs the new Roman Catholic Code of Canon Law in 1983. Benedict, second from right, served as the Pope's chief theological adviser.
Bettmann/Getty Images
Benedict at Vatican City in March 1977.
Benedict at Vatican City in March 1977.
Gianni Giansanti/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
Benedict greets a mountain rifleman in Munich in 1997. Before that, he had celebrated the 20th anniversary of his episcopal consecration.
Benedict greets a mountain rifleman in Munich in 1997. Before that, he had celebrated the 20th anniversary of his episcopal consecration.
Frank Mächler/picture alliance/Getty Images
Benedict passes a cross to Pope John Paul II during a Passion of Christ celebration at the Vatican in the 2000s.
Benedict passes a cross to Pope John Paul II during a Passion of Christ celebration at the Vatican in the 2000s.
Grzegorz Galazka/Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images
Benedict, second from left, is among several cardinals greeting Pope John Paul II in 2003.
Benedict, second from left, is among several cardinals greeting Pope John Paul II in 2003.
Eric Vandeville/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
Benedict waves from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after he was elected to be the new pope on April 19, 2005.
Benedict waves from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after he was elected to be the new pope on April 19, 2005.
Patrick Hertzog/AFP/Getty Images
Benedict casts incense over the coffin of Pope John Paul II after his death.
Benedict casts incense over the coffin of Pope John Paul II after his death.
Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
Benedict looks at a child during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square in November 2005.
Benedict looks at a child during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square in November 2005.
Plinio Lepri/AP
Benedict wears a fur-trimmed Santa-like hat as he waves to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square in December 2005 The red hat with white fur is known in Italian as the "camauro." It was popular among pontiffs in the 17th century.
Benedict wears a fur-trimmed Santa-like hat as he waves to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square in December 2005 The red hat with white fur is known in Italian as the "camauro." It was popular among pontiffs in the 17th century.
Alessandra Tarantino/AP
People gather in front of the Roman Colosseum during Benedict's first Way of the Cross devotions in April 2006.
People gather in front of the Roman Colosseum during Benedict's first Way of the Cross devotions in April 2006.
Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis/Getty Images
Pope Benedict greets young people in front of a huge Jesus Christ portrait in Krakow, Poland, in May 2006. Benedict paid an emotional visit to the birthplace of his predecessor and told Poles he was praying that their favorite son would move swiftly toward sainthood.
Pope Benedict greets young people in front of a huge Jesus Christ portrait in Krakow, Poland, in May 2006. Benedict paid an emotional visit to the birthplace of his predecessor and told Poles he was praying that their favorite son would move swiftly toward sainthood.
Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters
Benedict visits what used to be the Nazi Auschwitz death camp during his trip to Poland in May 2006.
Benedict visits what used to be the Nazi Auschwitz death camp during his trip to Poland in May 2006.
Diether Endlicher/AP
The Pope waves to people from his "popemobile" as he arrives for a Mass in Regensburg, Germany, in September 2006. He was on a six-day visit to his native country.
The Pope waves to people from his "popemobile" as he arrives for a Mass in Regensburg, Germany, in September 2006. He was on a six-day visit to his native country.
Jens Meyer/AP
Benedict visits Istanbul's Sultan Ahmet Mosque, aka the Blue Mosque, in November 2006.
Benedict visits Istanbul's Sultan Ahmet Mosque, aka the Blue Mosque, in November 2006.
Salih Zeki Fazlioglu/AP
Benedict lies before the altar during a Good Friday ceremony at the Vatican in April 2007.
Benedict lies before the altar during a Good Friday ceremony at the Vatican in April 2007.
Danilo Schiavella/AP
A gust of wind blows the Pope's coat over his head while visiting Vienna, Austria, in September 2007.
A gust of wind blows the Pope's coat over his head while visiting Vienna, Austria, in September 2007.
Robert Jaeger/AP
Benedict waves as he is driven through the crowd in St. Peter's Square in September 2007.
Benedict waves as he is driven through the crowd in St. Peter's Square in September 2007.
Pier Paolo Cito/AP
Benedict is greeted by cardinals as he arrives to attend a concert at the Vatican in October 2007.
Benedict is greeted by cardinals as he arrives to attend a concert at the Vatican in October 2007.
Stefano Spaziani/dpa/picture alliance/AP
Benedict arrives to celebrate Mass at New York's Yankee Stadium in April 2008. During his trip to the United States, he also visited the White House and spoke to the United Nations General Assembly.
Benedict arrives to celebrate Mass at New York's Yankee Stadium in April 2008. During his trip to the United States, he also visited the White House and spoke to the United Nations General Assembly.
Julie Jacobson/AP
Benedict visits Sydney in July 2008.
Benedict visits Sydney in July 2008.
Mark Baker/AP
Arms stretch out to Benedict as he leaves Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral in September 2008.
Arms stretch out to Benedict as he leaves Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral in September 2008.
Philippe Wojazer/Reuters
The Pope arrives to celebrate Mass in Yaounde, Cameroon, in March 2009.
The Pope arrives to celebrate Mass in Yaounde, Cameroon, in March 2009.
Andrew Medichini/AP
Benedict places a note in the Western Wall while visiting Jerusalem's Old City in May 2009.
Benedict places a note in the Western Wall while visiting Jerusalem's Old City in May 2009.
David Silverman/Pool/Reuters
The Pope leads a mass in Manger Square, next to the Church of the Nativity, as a Palestinian flag is waved the West Bank town of Bethlehem in May 2009.
The Pope leads a mass in Manger Square, next to the Church of the Nativity, as a Palestinian flag is waved the West Bank town of Bethlehem in May 2009.
Tara Todras-Whitehill/AP
Benedict prays in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher during his trip to Jerusalem's Old City in 2009.
Benedict prays in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher during his trip to Jerusalem's Old City in 2009.
Yannis Behrakis/AP
Benedict welcomes US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama to the Vatican in July 2009.
Benedict welcomes US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama to the Vatican in July 2009.
Haraz N. Ghanbari/AP
The Pope waves to faithful from a window of his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, on the outskirts of Rome, during his weekly general audience in August 2009. His right arm was in a cast after he fell and broke his right wrist while vacationing a month earlier.
The Pope waves to faithful from a window of his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, on the outskirts of Rome, during his weekly general audience in August 2009. His right arm was in a cast after he fell and broke his right wrist while vacationing a month earlier.
Pier Paolo Cito/AP
Benedict blesses pilgrims as he arrives in St. Peter's Square for a World Youth Day event in March 2010.
Benedict blesses pilgrims as he arrives in St. Peter's Square for a World Youth Day event in March 2010.
Vincenzo Pinto/AFP/Getty Images
Benedict prays inside St. Paul's Grotto in Rabat, Malta, in April 2010.
Benedict prays inside St. Paul's Grotto in Rabat, Malta, in April 2010.
L'Osservatore Romano/Reuters
Benedict waves to the crowd gathered below St. Peter's Square during a weekly Angelus blessing in May 2010.
Benedict waves to the crowd gathered below St. Peter's Square during a weekly Angelus blessing in May 2010.
L'Osservatore Romano/Reuters
Benedict walks with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II while visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland, in September 2010.
Benedict walks with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II while visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland, in September 2010.
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Benedict travels by train to Assisi, Italy, in October 2011.
Benedict travels by train to Assisi, Italy, in October 2011.
L'Osservatore Romano/Getty Images
Benedict prepares to kiss a baby as he arrives for a Mass in Cotonou, Benin, in November 2011.
Benedict prepares to kiss a baby as he arrives for a Mass in Cotonou, Benin, in November 2011.
Finbarr O'Reilly/Reuters
Benedict releases a dove from the window of his apartment in St. Peter's Square at the end of a Sunday Angelus prayer in January 2012.
Benedict releases a dove from the window of his apartment in St. Peter's Square at the end of a Sunday Angelus prayer in January 2012.
Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images
Benedict meets with former Cuban President Fidel Castro during a visit to Cuba in March 2012.
Benedict meets with former Cuban President Fidel Castro during a visit to Cuba in March 2012.
L'Osservatore Romano/Reuters
Benedict walks at the end of a Holy Thursday Mass in April 2012.
Benedict walks at the end of a Holy Thursday Mass in April 2012.
Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images
Benedict, holding a candle, enters a hushed and darkened St. Peter's Basilica to begin the Vatican's Easter vigil service in April 2012.
Benedict, holding a candle, enters a hushed and darkened St. Peter's Basilica to begin the Vatican's Easter vigil service in April 2012.
Pier Paolo Cito/AP
Benedict delivers his blessing as he is driven through the crowd in St. Peter's Square in October 2012.
Benedict delivers his blessing as he is driven through the crowd in St. Peter's Square in October 2012.
Andrew Medichini/AP
Pope Benedict clicks on a tablet to send his first Twitter message in December 2012. His account, which went live in seven languages, had thousands of followers within minutes.
Pope Benedict clicks on a tablet to send his first Twitter message in December 2012. His account, which went live in seven languages, had thousands of followers within minutes.
Vincenzo Pinto/AFP/Getty Images
Benedict waves at the Vatican in December 2012.
Benedict waves at the Vatican in December 2012.
Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images
Benedict rides the "popemobile" to St. Peter's Square in February 2013. Earlier that month, he announced that he would be retiring. The 85-year-old cited his "advanced age" as the reason.
Benedict rides the "popemobile" to St. Peter's Square in February 2013. Earlier that month, he announced that he would be retiring. The 85-year-old cited his "advanced age" as the reason.
Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
People crowd the gallery on top of St. Peter's Basilica as a helicopter carries Benedict out of Vatican City in February 2013. He was heading to Castel Gandolfo, where he would stay until the next pope was chosen.
People crowd the gallery on top of St. Peter's Basilica as a helicopter carries Benedict out of Vatican City in February 2013. He was heading to Castel Gandolfo, where he would stay until the next pope was chosen.
Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
Benedict exchanges Christmas greetings with his successor, Pope Francis, at the Vatican in December 2013.
Benedict exchanges Christmas greetings with his successor, Pope Francis, at the Vatican in December 2013.
Maurix/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
Benedict, seated second from left, has a glass of beer on his 90th birthday in 2017.
Benedict, seated second from left, has a glass of beer on his 90th birthday in 2017.
L'Osservatore Romano/Pool/AP
Benedict is pushed in a wheelchair in Regensburg, Germany, in 2020. He was in Germany visiting his sick brother.
Benedict is pushed in a wheelchair in Regensburg, Germany, in 2020. He was in Germany visiting his sick brother.
Daniel Karmann/dpa/AP
Pope Francis visits with Benedict at the Vatican in August 2022.
Pope Francis visits with Benedict at the Vatican in August 2022.
Vatican Media/Abaca Press/Sipa/AP
Benedict receives the winners of the Ratzinger Prize in December 2022. The award is given to scholars that have stood out for their scientific research in the field of theology.
Benedict receives the winners of the Ratzinger Prize in December 2022. The award is given to scholars that have stood out for their scientific research in the field of theology.
Fondazione Ratzinger/via Reuters