U.S. President Joe Biden recently shared his condolences in the wake of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Benedict died Dec. 31, 2022, at the age of 95, the BBC reported. Benedict, who became the head of the Catholic Church in 2005 after John Paul II’s death, resigned in 2013 due to health issues. He was the first pope to do so since Gregory XII resigned in 1415. 

“Jill and I join Catholics and others around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” Biden said in a post on Twitter. “He'll be remembered as a renowned theologian, with a lifetime of devotion to the church, guided by his principles and faith. May he continue to be an inspiration to all.”

Benedict has been lying in state in St Peter's Basilica Jan. 2-4. About 25,000-30,000 people were expected to attend the viewing on the first day; however, by the end of the day Monday, more than 65,000 people had come, the Vatican said in an Associated Press report Jan. 2. 

His successor, Pope Francis, will officiate at the funeral, which will be held 9:30 a.m. local time Jan. 5 in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, according to CNN.