Disir
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The Catholic Church has strict protocols in place following the death of its leader, but as ex-Pope Benedict's health wanes it is unclear whether those same protocols will apply to a retired pope, known as Emeritus.
When Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 citing old age, he became the first pope in 600 years to step down from the role. Born Joseph Ratzinger, the German cardinal was elected in April 2005 and chose to go by the name of Benedict.
For almost a decade there have in effect been two popes living at close quarters in the Vatican, because Benedict has stayed in the Vatican Gardens at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery and appeared occasionally alongside his successor.
"We've never had this before where a living pope will help bury a dead pope," Catholic historian John McGreevy said.
www.bbc.com
This is a unique set of circumstances all around. I didn't realize he was ill. I didn't realize that he still lived in the Vatican. I came across this:
www.vaticannews.va
When Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 citing old age, he became the first pope in 600 years to step down from the role. Born Joseph Ratzinger, the German cardinal was elected in April 2005 and chose to go by the name of Benedict.
For almost a decade there have in effect been two popes living at close quarters in the Vatican, because Benedict has stayed in the Vatican Gardens at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery and appeared occasionally alongside his successor.
"We've never had this before where a living pope will help bury a dead pope," Catholic historian John McGreevy said.

Pope Benedict XVI: What the death of a former pope means for the Vatican
For the first time in modern history a living pope will help bury a dead pope.

This is a unique set of circumstances all around. I didn't realize he was ill. I didn't realize that he still lived in the Vatican. I came across this:

Pope renews invitation to pray for Benedict XVI in these difficult hours - Vatican News
A statement released by the Director of the Holy See Press Office says the Pope Emeritus is in a stable condition.
