Hesse: books of condolences, prayers and ringing of bells for Benedict XVI.

Fulda/Limburg (dpa/lhe) - After the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Hesse: books of condolences, prayers and ringing of bells for Benedict XVI.

Fulda/Limburg (dpa/lhe) - After the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. the signs also point to mourning in the Hessian dioceses. An official book of condolences is available in Limburg Cathedral, in which all believers can sign, as a spokesman for the Limburg Diocese announced on Monday. All parishes are invited to pray for the deceased Pope. In addition, there is "a wealth" of services and prayer times in the diocese. A requiem (funeral mass) for Benedict XVI is planned for next Sunday (January 8, 6:30 p.m.) in the cathedral. planned.

The diocese of Fulda has set up a place for prayer and commemoration in its cathedral church and has laid out a book of condolences, the diocese announced. According to an initial assessment, many believers have already expressed their grief, it said. According to the diocese, a funeral bell rings out every day at noon until the day of the funeral. There are also mourning flags on the buildings of the diocese. The diocese is planning a requiem on Wednesday (January 4, 6:30 p.m.).

Benedict XVI died in the Vatican on Saturday at the age of 95. The German theologian was head of the Catholic Church from 2005 until his resignation in 2013. His funeral will take place on Thursday (January 5) in Rome. According to the diocese, the Limburg bishop and chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, will take part in the funeral mass.