What is known is that Benedict XVI, formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was elected as pope in 2005 on the platform of doctrinal conservatism. However, in 2013, he shocked the world by stepping down as the first pope to do so in centuries.

Pope Benedict XVI, the distinguished German theologian and conservative enforcer of Roman Catholic Church doctrine who broke with nearly 600 years of tradition by resigning and then residing for nearly a decade behind Vatican walls as a retired pope, passed away on Saturday at the age of 95, the Vatican announced.

A conclave to elect a new pope is generally called after the death of an incumbent. However, when Benedict resigned in 2013, Pope Francis was chosen to succeed him.

Now, a sitting pope is anticipated to preside over his predecessor's funeral, which will be an unprecedented event in church history. Francis will preside over Benedict's burial, which will take place in St. Peter's Square on Thursday, the Vatican announced on Saturday.

As is customary, Benedict's remains will be placed to rest at St. Peter's Basilica on Monday so that mourners may pay their respects.

Bishop Accountability, a victims advocacy and research organization, co-director Anne Barrett Doyle said in a statement that Benedict would be "remembered chiefly for his failure to achieve what should have been his job one: to rectify the incalculable harm done to the hundreds of thousands of children sexually abused by Catholic priests."

She claimed that when Benedict resigned, he "left hundreds of guilty bishops in charge and an unbroken culture of secrecy."

What were Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's reasons for retirement?

How was the abrupt retirement announcement in 2013 received by the rest of the globe, particularly Germany and the Catholic community?

What has he been doing since he retired in 2013?

For the first time, were there two popes?

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