Pope Benedict XVI. died at the age of 95 on 31 December 2022 at his retirement residence in the Vatican. He was laid out in St Peter's Basilica, where people gathered to bid him farewell.
On 5 January 2023, Pope Francis celebrated the Requiem Mass in St Peter's Square. This was followed by burial in the Grottoes of St Peter's.
In his "spiritual testament", Pope Benedict XVI. wrote: "I thank my parents, who gave me life in a difficult time and who, with great sacrifices, prepared for me with their love a wonderful home which, as a bright light, has illuminated all my days to this day." And further: "I pray that our country will remain a land of faith […] Stand firm in the faith!"