Prime Minister Petr Fiala attended the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Vatican.

The funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI took place in St Peter's Square at the Vatican on Thursday 5 January. Prime Minister Petr Fiala and his wife attended the last farewell on behalf of the Czech Republic.

The funeral ceremony, which was officiated by Pope Francis in St Peter's Square, was attended on behalf of the Czech Republic by the Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Deputy Prime Minister Marian Jurečka, Czech and Moravian bishops and other believers.

"I had great respect for Pope Benedict XVI. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to represent the Czech Republic at the memorial service in St. Peter's Square and to say goodbye to him in person. May he rest in peace,“ stated the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also praised Pope Benedict XVI's lifelong work for the Catholic Church. "He stood at the essential events of the 20th century. After all, already as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, he took part in the conclave that elected Pope John Paul II. - That's almost 45 years ago. I like his theological and philosophical works, he was one of the leading intellectual figures of our time. His greatness is shown by his decision to leave the papal chair,“ added the Prime Minister.

After the official part of the ceremony, the body of the Pope Emeritus was placed in the tomb in St Peter's Basilica.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala met with the acting head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, at the Vatican last June. Relations between the Czech Republic and the Holy See in general are among the priorities of the current coalition government.