The Government of Costa Rica decreed this Saturday, December 31, four days of national mourning for the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died at the age of 95, in the Vatican monastery where he had resided since his historic resignation in 2013.
The Presidential House indicated in a press release that this period is due to a courtesy duel, for whoever was the highest religious authority of the Costa Rican State.
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Therefore, it is ordered to raise the flag at half mast, as of December 31, and as dictated by article 75 of the Political Constitution. The Presidency of the Republic deeply regrets his death, which occurred on December 31 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery of the Vatican », quotes the bulletin.
Concern for the state of health of the German pope and theologian arose on Wednesday, December 28, when his successor, Francis, acknowledged that he was “very ill” and asked for “a special prayer” from the faithful who attended his general audience.
Ratzinger’s remains will remain until Monday in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery without official visits or public prayers scheduled and that day they will be exposed until Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica for his farewell by the faithful.
On Thursday, the funeral presided over by Francis will take place in St. Peter’s Square and only official delegations from Italy and his native Germany will attend, while other authorities may attend in their personal capacity.
