Irish Examiner view:  Pope's passing has historic significance

Church influence may have waned but there are still many on whom matters such as papal succession have a direct impact

Pope Francis attends the funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St Peter's Square in the Vatican yesterday. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty

The passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was a historic event.

As the first pope to resign in six centuries, Benedict, formerly Joseph Ratzinger, had already made history when stepping down 10 years ago, but his death meant the funeral ceremonies yesterday were led by another pontiff — his successor, Pope Francis.