The bells in St. Patrick’s Cathedral rang out 95 times Saturday morning — once for each year of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s life.

The Vatican announced his death Saturday morning.

Archbishop of New York Cardinal Dolan lead a prayer in honor of the pope during the morning mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

What You Need To Know

  • Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died Saturday at the age of 95, the Vatican announced

  • Benedict, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, will be remembered as the first pontiff in 600 years to resign from the role

  • Cardinal Dolan told reporters he will be in Vatican City for the pope’s funeral

“We mourn his death. We'll miss him very much. We are sad, but we also praise Almighty God for the gift that he was,” Cardinal Dolan told reporters.

Pope Benedict ascended to the role in 2005. He resigned eight years later, in 2013, citing his advanced age. It made him the first pope to resign in 600 years.

“It was unusual because, you know, John Paul, you know Pope John Paul was there until he died, which is usually what the popes do,” said Jeanette Trujillo, who stopped by the church early Saturday.

Some remembered Pope Benedict for leading the church while it was in the midst of the fallout surrounding the clerical sex abuse scandal.

“His leadership in the church at a tumultuous time,” said Michael Griffin, a tourist visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral. “The church was really going through a lot of difficult times. And, you know, people may not always agree with his leadership at that time, but he's displayed leadership.”

Pope Benedict was known for being conservative within the church. He was also a theologian, having written nearly 70 books. On the day of his death, the faithful reflected on his lasting impact.

“I think he was a tough pope. I might have some different views, but you can't deny his commitment to living, you know, a life that follows Jesus Christ,” said Jeff Miller, who was visiting the Midtown cathedral.

Cardinal Dolan shared some of his personal connections to the pope over the years, one particularly significant for him.

“He was the pope that appointed me in 2009, to my great consternation as archbishop of New York,” said the Cardinal. “He was the pope who three years later honored me with the nomination as a cardinal, and I feel very close to him.”

Cardinal Dolan told reporters he will be in Vatican City for the pope’s funeral.

Pope Benedict’s body will lie in state at Saint Peter’s Basilica from Monday. The funeral will be led by Pope Francis and is set for Thursday, January 5.