Former Pope Benedict XVI has died aged 95

• Pope Benedict XVI died aged 95 at his Vatican residence. 
• Benedict succeeded Pope John Paul II and served as head of the Catholic church from 2005 to 2013.
• Benedict led the church during a time of widespread criticism over sex abuses committed by priests.

Pope Benedict XVI, the retired conservative pontiff who led the Catholic Church for less than a decade, has died aged 95.

German-born Benedict died on Saturday after the Vatican said on December 28 his health had deteriorated. Pope Francis said Benedict, his predecessor, was "very ill" and called on the faithful to "support him in this witness of love to the church, until the end."

"Regarding the health condition of the emeritus pope, for whom Pope Francis asked for prayers at the end of his general audience this morning, I can confirm that in the last hours, a worsening due to advanced age has happened,″ Matteo Bruni, a spokesperson for the Vatican said in a statement.

Benedict succeeded Pope John Paul II and led the church from 2005 to 2013 when he resigned due to his mental and physical health. He was the first pope to resign since the 15th century, as most typically serve until their deaths. Pope Francis succeeded him.

Benedict was known as a conservative theologian and served as pope during a tumultuous time in which the church was the subject of widespread criticism over sex abuses committed by priests and other church officials.