Pope marks New Year as Vatican prepares to mourn Benedict XVI

Pope Francis leads the Mass to mark the World Day of Peace in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, January 1, 2023. (Reuters)

Francis presided the Mass as former pope Benedict's remains were being readied for a three-day public viewing that would began on Monday. Benedict passed away on Saturday at the age of 95. (Reuters)

The Pope would be presiding over his late predecessor's funeral, the first time in centuries something like this has happened. (Reuters)

Jan 1 also marks the feast of the Mother of God for which Pope Francis delivered a sermon. In his discourse, the Pope asked Mother Mary to accompany the previous Pope on his journey from this world to heaven. (Reuters)

The body of former Pope Benedict is displayed at the Vatican, January 1, 2023. (Reuters)

Candles stand next to St. Peter's Square after former Pope Benedict died in the Vatican, in Rome, Italy, December 31, 2022. (Reuters)

In his homily, Francis urged his listeners to work actively for peace, and not "waste time glued to a keyboard in front of a computer screen" but to "dirty our hands and to do some good". (Reuters)

Francis also prayed for peace, making references to nations that are embroiled in conflict, such as Ukraine. (Reuters)