Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI to attend opening of Year of Mercy

(Vatican Radio) Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI will attend the ceremony for the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, which will inaugurate the Jubilee Holy Year of Mercy.

Pope Francis invited his predecessor to be at the ceremony, which will take place in the Atrium of the Basilica on 8 December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

The Holy Year of Mercy will end on 20 November, 2016: The Solemnity of Christ the King.

The Pope-emeritus has accepted the invitation of Pope Francis to attend several events in St. Peter’s since his election, most recently on 14 February  during the last Consistory for the creation of new Cardinals.