Pope Francis Leads Funeral , for Benedict XVI.<br />Pope Francis Leads Funeral , for Benedict XVI.<br />NBC News reports that Pope Francis <br />led the funeral for Pope Emeritus <br />Benedict XVI at the Vatican on Jan. 5.<br />NBC News reports that Pope Francis <br />led the funeral for Pope Emeritus <br />Benedict XVI at the Vatican on Jan. 5.<br />According to Reuters, it was the first time in over two centuries that a pontiff has led the funeral service for a predecessor. .<br />According to Reuters, it was the first time in over two centuries that a pontiff has led the funeral service for a predecessor. .<br />The mass, which was attended by approximately 50,000 people, took <br />place at 9:30 a.m. local time.<br />The mass, which was attended by approximately 50,000 people, took <br />place at 9:30 a.m. local time.<br />In his homily, Pope Francis referenced <br />Benedict's "wisdom, tenderness and devotion <br />that he bestowed upon us over the years.".<br />In his homily, Pope Francis referenced <br />Benedict's "wisdom, tenderness and devotion <br />that he bestowed upon us over the years.".<br />Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom,(Jesus) may your joy be complete as you hear his voice, now and forever!, Pope Francis, via homily.<br />In 2013, Benedict shocked the <br />world by resigning as pope.<br />He was the first pope in 600 years to do so. .<br />At his funeral, many of his supporters <br />called for Benedict to be made a saint.<br />Reuters reports that three of the last <br />five popes have been canonized. .<br />Benedict was buried in the underground grottoes at the Vatican where Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II were interred before being moved to the basilica above.<br />Benedict was buried in the underground grottoes at the Vatican where Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II were interred before being moved to the basilica above
