Category: All

Anti-Fatphobia writer calls for ‘anti-fat bias’ training, condemns ‘triggering’ workplace health programs

January 5, 2023 Published by

Latest & Breaking News on Fox News 

An anti-fatphobia writer penned an oped for NBC THINK that warned readers how efforts to promote health in the workplace marginalize fat people.

“As a fat person, I hate the first few weeks of January with a fiery passion,” communication strategist Kate Bernyk wrote. “Following every holiday season, there’s seemingly no escape from the weight loss industrial complex.”

Benryk railed against health initiatives in the workplace, noting that it can’t be ignored like social media posts. 

“I might be able to easily report social ads and mute friends, but how do I escape an email from human resources encouraging staff to join a team weight loss challenge with monthly weigh-ins?” she asked. “Or a boss who encourages her whole team to buy Fitbits so we can compete on daily steps? (Both were real things that happened at two of my former jobs.)”

BILL MAHER SLAMS AMERICA’S ‘FAT ACCEPTANCE’ MOVEMENT AS ‘ORWELLIAN,’ SUPPORTERS HAVE ‘BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS’

The author suggested that fat Americans should be one of the groups included in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. 

“Employers seem to rarely consider fat people when putting together their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals,” Benryk wrote. “But creating a space for plus-size employees to feel welcome has just as much to do with diversity and inclusion as any other group.”

The author went on to claim that “fat is not a reliable indicator of health,” and that “fatphobic-related measures like BMI and fat percentage” are unreliable means of assessing health. 

DR. PHIL SPARS WITH ‘BODY POSITIVITY’ ACTIVIST WHO REJECTS SCIENCE FROM ‘MIDDLE-AGED WHITE’ DOCTORS

Benryk proposed what employers should be doing instead.

“Weight discrimination and anti-fat bias could be included in workplace harassment training,” she wrote. “And any workplace wellness program that specifically incentivizes weight loss should be acknowledged as harmful and ended immediately.”

The author stated that her weight should not be associated with her ability to perform at her chosen career.

“The size of my body has nothing to do with my work. I recognize this sometimes may not be true for certain professions (one of many fine reasons I’m not a jockey or a cave diver),” she wrote, later claiming her usefulness, “cannot be measured by a scale.”

 

​Read More 

 

Former lawmaker Justin Amash mocked for suggesting he should be speaker: 'We've seen it all folks'

January 5, 2023 Published by

Former congressman Justin Amash faced mockery on Twitter Wednesday for suggesting that he should be voted House speaker as a compromise amid Rep-elect Kevin McCarthy’s, R-Calif., struggles to secure the leadership position.

 “Former Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) is standing just outside the Speaker’s Lobby telling reporters that he’s willing and interested in serving as a compromise Speaker,” Alex Bolton, a staff writer for The Hill, reported. 

Amash, who was first elected in 2010, was at the Capitol as the House still debated and voted on who should be speaker. Republicans control a slim five-seat majority in the lower chamber, which has left McCarthy struggling to get the 218 votes needed to become speaker. After six failed votes, McCarthy and his allies are negotiating with the 20 Republican holdouts. 

However, there is discussion about the possibility of moderate Republicans joining Democrats to nominate and vote for a moderate Republican as speaker. Amash, the former Republican turned Independent turned Libertarian, threw his name out as a possibility. 

CONSERVATIVE HEAVYWEIGHTS CALL FOR NEW HOUSE GOP LEADERSHIP AFTER MCCARTHY FAILED TO CLINCH HOUSE SPEAKER

U.S. Rep.-elect Kat Cammack (R-FL) speaks alongside Rep.-elect Steve Scalise (R-LA) in the House Chamber during the second day of elections for Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 04, 2023 in Washington, DC. 

U.S. Rep.-elect Kat Cammack (R-FL) speaks alongside Rep.-elect Steve Scalise (R-LA) in the House Chamber during the second day of elections for Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 04, 2023 in Washington, DC. 
((Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images))

Sarah Ferris, a congressional reporter for Politico, tweeted “Ok now we’ve seen it all folks Former Justin Amash is here outside House chamber pitching a different kind of speaker candidate: himself ‘I’m here in case they want that as a possibility.'”

“To that end, I am on standby if Bill Gates needs someone to inherit his wealth,” conservative author Eddie Scarry replied. 

“Amash is the definition of a jabroni,” Greg Price, a political strategist, tweeted.

“Me pitching myself as the next boyfriend for Ana de Armas,” podcast producer Isaac Lee joked. 

Former Obama senior advisor David Pfeiffer shared a gif with the text “What about me?” 

BYRON RENOLDS ADDRESSES HOUSE SPEAKER NOMINATION: REPUBLICAN VOTERS ARE ‘NOT HAPPY’ WITH PARTY LEADERSHIP

Former lawmaker Justin Amash takes questions during a town hall event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. 

Former lawmaker Justin Amash takes questions during a town hall event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. 
( Jeff Kowalsky/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

However, Amash did receive some praise from fellow Libertarians, 

Bekah Congdon, managing editor of Cato Institute, tweeted “With our country facing so many challenges, we need a #Speakerofthehouse who can heal divisions. @JustinAmash is the perfect candidate for this role. He is a thoughtful, even-handed leader who is respected across party lines for his integrity and dedication to principle.”

Ryan Graham, political director of the Libertarian Party of Georgia, tweeted “Justin Amash for Speaker of the House!”

Then-Rep. Justin Amash sits at a House Oversight and Reform National Security subcommittee hearing. 

Then-Rep. Justin Amash sits at a House Oversight and Reform National Security subcommittee hearing. 
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Amash left the Republican Party during the Trump administration and voted to impeach Trump during the first impeachment trial. 

McCarthy lost his sixth vote for House speaker Wednesday evening. A group of conservative populist Republicans including Rep. Matt Gaetz, Fla., and Rep. Lauren Boebert, Colo., among others have said they will not support McCarthy.

Joe Silverstein is a production assistant for Fox News Digital. 

source
Fox News

Fox News>

Bills: Safety Damar Hamlin showing ‘remarkable improvement’

January 5, 2023 Published by

Top News: US & International Top News Stories Today | AP News 

FILE – Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin (3) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. Hamlin was in critical condition early Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, after the Bills say his heart stopped following a tackle during the Monday Night Football game, which was indefinitely postponed. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper, File)

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has shown what physicians treating him are calling “remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours,” the team announced Thursday, three days after the player went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field.

“While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact,” the Bills said in a statement. “His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress.”

Hamlin’s agent, Ronald Butler, told The Associated Press that Hamlin was awake and has been able to grip the hands of family members at his hospital bedside.

The developments came as the Bills were scheduled to return to practice on Thursday for the first time since Hamlin collapsed after his heart stopped after making a tackle and was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center during the first quarter of Buffalo’s game against the Bengals on Monday night.

The second-year player spent the past two days sedated and listed in critical condition.

Bills rookie cornerback Kaiir Elam also posted a message Thursday on his Twitter account that said Hamlin “is doing better, awake and showing signs of improvement.”

The Bills’ announcement comes as they prepare to play a home game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, and with the team still dealing with the shock of seeing their teammate collapse on the field, his heart not beating.

Hub peek embed (NFL) – Compressed layout (automatic embed)

After returning home early Tuesday once the game was suspended, the Bills held meetings and a walkthrough practice without any media availability on Wednesday. On Thursday, players were spotted arriving at the facility, though the team has not yet released a practice schedule.

The chilling sight of Hamlin collapsing, which was broadcast to a North American TV audience on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” has led to an outpouring of support from fans and players from across the league.

Numerous players — former teammates and those who didn’t know Hamlin until Monday — voiced their support, while saying they were shaken by what happened.

Colts safety Rodney Thomas made the two-hour drive from Indianapolis to Cincinnati on Tuesday just to be by the side of his former high school teammate.

“He’s a fighter. I know he’s a fighter and there’s no other thought in my mind other than him walking out under his own power,” Thomas said Wednesday.

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, who spent the previous four seasons playing for Buffalo, had dinner delivered to the hospital for Hamlin’s family and medical staff.

Hamlin’s marketing representative, Jordon Rooney, said Wednesday that the player’s family was buoyed by the words and acts of kindness.

“They are elated right now,” Rooney said. “Damar is still their first concern. But for them, they always look at how they can turn a somewhat troubling situation into a good one. The bounce back from this, for him and his family is going to be incredible.”

What remains unclear is whether the NFL will reschedule the Bills’ game against the Bengals, which has major implications in determining the top spot in the AFC. The playoffs are set to open on Jan. 14.

The Chiefs (13-3) have a half-game lead over Buffalo (12-3), with the Bills owning the tiebreaker after beating Kansas City this season. The Bengals (11-4) are currently the third seed and have also defeated the Chiefs.

Hamlin was hurt in the first quarter when he was struck squarely in the chest while making what appeared to be routine tackle of Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin briefly got up and adjusted his facemask before collapsing backward.

Hamlin was selected by Buffalo in the sixth round of the 2021 draft out of Pitt. He spent his rookie season limited to special teams roles, and took over the starting safety job in Week 3 in place of veteran Micah Hyde, who remains sidelined by a neck injury.

Fans, team owners and players — including Tom Brady and Russell Wilson — have made donations to Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation, which had raised more than $7 million by Thursday morning.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

 

​Read More 

Ukraine war live updates: Kyiv given armored combat vehicles by France, but presses allies to give it tanks to fight Russia

January 5, 2023 Published by

US Top News and Analysis 

Ukraine is continuing to press its international partners to provide it with heavier tanks to fight Russia, having been offered more armored fighting vehicles by its allies this week.

On Wednesday, France announced that it was giving Kyiv light tanks, AMX-10 RCs, as well as Bastion armored personnel carriers, while President Joe Biden hinted that the U.S. could provide Ukraine with Bradley Fighting Vehicles, a staple of the U.S. army — but both still fall short of the modern, heavy tanks that Ukraine has been seeking.

A U.S. soldier near a Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
Delil Souleiman | Afp | Getty Images

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy thanked France for its donation but again questioned why its allies have been reluctant to supply Ukraine with modern Western armored vehicles and tanks.

“There is no rational reason why Ukraine has not yet been supplied with Western-type tanks,” Zelenskyy said.

2 Min Ago

Kyiv given more light combat vehicles — but it wants heavy tanks

Ukraine is continuing to press its international partners to provide it with heavier tanks to fight Russia, having been offered more armored fighting vehicles by its allies this week.

On Wednesday, France announced that it was giving Kyiv light tanks, AMX-10 RCs, and President Joe Biden hinted that the U.S. could provide Ukraine with Bradley Fighting Vehicles (armored troop carriers) — but both still fall short of the modern, heavy tanks that Ukraine has been seeking, such as the U.S.’ M1 Abrams battle tanks and Germany’s Leopard 2s.

A U.S. soldier near a Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
Delil Souleiman | Afp | Getty Images

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy on Wednesday thanked President Emmanuel Macron “for the decision to transfer light tanks and Bastion APCs [armored personnel carriers] to Ukraine,” but in his nightly address, Zelenskyy again questioned why its allies have been reluctant to supply Ukraine with modern Western armored vehicles and tanks.

“We will receive more armored vehicles, in particular wheeled tanks of French production. This is what sends a clear signal to all our other partners: there is no rational reason why Ukraine has not yet been supplied with Western-type tanks,” Zelenskyy said.

An AMX-10 RC tank deployed in Bosnia in 1995.
Gabriel Bouys | Afp | Getty Images

“This is very important in order to restore security for all Ukrainians and peace for all Europeans,” he added.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s allies should “not delay any of those defense opportunities that can speed up the defeat” of Russia, adding that “modern Western armored vehicles, Western-style tanks are just one of these key opportunities.”

— Holly Ellyatt

10 Hours Ago

Biden says Bradley Fighting Vehicles are on the table for Ukraine

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks prior to signing railroad legislation into law, providing a resoluton to avert a nationwide rail shutdown, during a signing ceremony in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., December 2, 2022. 
Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

U.S. President Joe Biden said that sending Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine was being considered to help the Ukrainians in combating Russia’s invasion.

“Yes,” Biden said when asked if the option was on the table.

— Reuters

11 Hours Ago

Claims that war pits Russia against NATO are ‘a bunch of BS,’ White House spokesman says

White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, November 28, 2022.
Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

Russian claims that Moscow’s war in Ukraine is really a fight against NATO and Western countries are “a bunch of BS,” a Biden administration spokesman said.

“This is about a Russian invasion of Ukraine,” said U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. “And Russia is the one who started it. Russia is the one who’s visited violence on the Ukrainian people at a scale.”

Kirby added that the U.S. will “continue to provide [Ukraine] the kinds of systems and assistance they need to defend themselves,” including the coveted High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.

— Jacob Pramuk

12 Hours Ago

Heavy fighting likely to persist in Ukrainian-held Bakhmut, U.S. official says

Ukrainian soldiers with the 43rd Heavy Artillery Brigade sit atop 2S7 Pion self propelled cannon on the battlefield, as Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues, during intense shelling on the front line in Bakhmut, Ukraine, December 26, 2022.
Clodagh Kilcoyne | Reuters

Heavy fighting around the largely ruined, Ukrainian-held city of Bakhmut is likely to persist for the foreseeable future, with the outcome uncertain as Russians have made incremental progress, according to a senior U.S. administration official.

— Reuters

13 Hours Ago

Russian torture chambers uncovered in Kherson, Ukraine

Kherson police said local residents were held in cells and rooms for days, tortured with electricity and batons and forced to write Russian patriotic texts. Kherson was the only regional capital captured by Russia since the invasion, and Ukraine liberated it late last year.

KHERSON, UKRAINE – JANUARY 04: Officers of the War Crimes Prosecutor office and police officers investigate war crimes committed by the Russian occupying forces on the local civilian population in the basements and rooms of Ukrainian penitentiary buildings on January 4, 2023 in Kherson, Ukraine. According to the Kherson police, local residents were held in cells and rooms for days, tortured with electricity, batons and forced to write Russian patriotic texts. Kherson was the only regional capital captured by Russia since the invasion and it was liberated by Ukraine late last year. (Photo by Pierre Crom/Getty Images)
Pierre Crom | Getty Images
A burnt bed within a room as officers of the War Crimes Prosecutor office and police officers investigate war crimes committed by the Russian occupying forces on the local civilian population in the basements and rooms of Ukrainian penitentiary buildings on January 4, 2023 in Kherson, Ukraine. 
Pierre Crom | Getty Images
A general view of the basement and rooms as officers of the War Crimes Prosecutor office and police officers investigate war crimes committed by the Russian occupying forces on the local civilian population in the Ukrainian penitentiary buildings on January 4, 2023 in Kherson, Ukraine. 
Pierre Crom | Getty Images
KHERSON, UKRAINE – JANUARY 04: Russian patriotic written letters as officers of the War Crimes Prosecutor office and police officers investigate war crimes committed by the Russian occupying forces on the local civilian population in the basements and rooms of Ukrainian penitentiary buildings on January 4, 2023 in Kherson, Ukraine. According to the Kherson police, local residents were held in cells and rooms for days, tortured with electricity, batons and forced to write Russian patriotic texts. Kherson was the only regional capital captured by Russia since the invasion and it was liberated by Ukraine late last year. (Photo by Pierre Crom/Getty Images)
Pierre Crom | Getty Images
Walls are marked with the Russian war symbol Z as officers of the War Crimes Prosecutor office and police officers investigate war crimes committed by the Russian occupying forces on the local civilian population in the basements and rooms of Ukrainian penitentiary buildings on January 4, 2023 in Kherson, Ukraine.
Pierre Crom | Getty Images
A general view of the basement and rooms as officers of the War Crimes Prosecutor office and police officers investigate war crimes committed by the Russian occupying forces on the local civilian population in the Ukrainian penitentiary buildings on January 4, 2023 in Kherson, Ukraine.
Pierre Crom | Getty Images News | Getty Images
A calendar marked on a wall in a cell as officers of the War Crimes Prosecutor office and police officers investigate war crimes committed by the Russian occupying forces on the local civilian population in the basements and rooms of Ukrainian penitentiary buildings on January 4, 2023 in Kherson, Ukraine.
Pierre Crom | Getty Images

— Pierre Crom | Getty Images

14 Hours Ago

Zelenskyy and Macron discussed aid to boost Ukraine’s air defenses

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron during a news briefing following their talks in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 8, 2022.
Gleb Garanich | Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron had a “long and detailed conversation” about efforts to boost Ukraine’s defenses against Russian attacks.

“We agreed on further cooperation to significantly strengthen our air defense and other defense capabilities,” Zelenskyy said in a post on his Telegram channel.

France and other European nations have funneled aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded its neighbor last year. Zelenskyy has pleaded for air defenses in particular as Russia pummels his country with missile strikes.

— Jacob Pramuk

Wed, Jan 4 20232:23 AM EST

Russia blames use of mobile phones for deadly Makiivka attack

Russia has been left reeling as the death toll rises following a Ukrainian strike on newly conscripted soldiers in Makiivka, a town in the partially Russian-occupied eastern Donetsk region in east Ukraine.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday night that the death toll from the attack, which took place on New Year’s Eve, had risen to 89, according to reports by Russian state news agencies.

It had previously said 63 soldiers had died in the attack, which struck a college for conscripts in Makiivka, in a rare admission of multiple losses.

It blamed the unauthorized use of cellphones for the strike, saying their use had allowed Ukraine to locate and strike its personnel.

“This factor allowed the enemy to locate and determine the coordinates of the location of military personnel for a missile strike,” the ministry said in a statement, reported by RIA Novosti.

Mourners gather to lay flowers in memory of Russian soldiers who were killed in a Ukrainian strike on a college for newly conscripted Russian soldiers in the occupied city of Makiivka in eastern Ukraine on New Year’s Eve.
Arden Arkman | Afp | Getty Images

The ministry said Ukraine had struck the building in Makiivka using missiles from a HIMARS rocket system and claimed that Russian forces had intercepted four of six rockets. It claimed it had destroyed the HIMARS rocket system from which the attack was carried out. CNBC was unable to verify the defense ministry’s claims.

The attack has caused consternation in Russia, with mourners gathering in Samara, the region where the majority of the mobilized soldiers reportedly came from.

— Holly Ellyatt

2 Hours Ago

Read CNBC’s previous live coverage here:

Russia blames use of cellphones for deadly Makiivka attack; Putin sends new hypersonic cruise missiles to Atlantic

Read More 

Pro Picks: Watch all of Wednesday's big stock calls on CNBC

January 5, 2023 Published by


source

[World] Peng Shuai: WTA demands private meeting before tournaments can resume

January 5, 2023 Published by
Peng ShuaiEPA

Peng Shuai’s claims of sexual assault in 2021 caused a storm
By Nicholas Yong
BBC News

The governing body for women’s tennis says it wants to meet Peng Shuai in person before it can resume tournaments in China.

Last year the former tennis star accused a top Chinese official of sexual assault in a social media post.

Ms Peng then briefly disappeared from the public eye. She later denied making the allegations.

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) also called for a “formal investigation” into her accusations.

In a statement, the WTA said it would not “compromise its founding principles” to operate events in China.

“We have received confirmation that Peng is safe and comfortable, but we have not yet met with her personally,” the WTA said in a statement on Thursday.

“There has not been any change in the WTA position on a return to China and we have only confirmed our 2023 calendar through US Open.”

The WTA’s stand is expected to cost the women’s tour hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasting and sponsorship.

In 2021, Ms Peng caused an uproar with a 1,600 word essay on Chinese social media platform Weibo, where she claimed that former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli forced her into sex during a years-long relationship.

It sparked international concern for her safety and prompted the WTA to suspend tournaments in China.

However the former doubles world number one later said that she deleted the post because she “wanted to”. In highly controlled interviews with foreign media outlets, she also described the situation as a “huge misunderstanding”.

While Ms Peng attended the Winter Olympics in Beijing last February, she has not been seen outside China since first making the allegations. She retired from competitive tennis in February 2022.

Mr Zhang, 75, has not publicly commented on Ms Peng’s allegation.

He was a highly visible presence at the 20th Communist Party Congress last October.

He walked onstage at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing behind Chinese leader Xi Jinping and other retired and current leaders, and was also seated at the front row of the podium for the opening of the event.

source

Australia to Buy Long-Range US-Made Missiles

January 5, 2023 Published by

USA – Voice of America 

Australia is boosting its long-range strike capability with the purchase of a U.S. missile system, the same long-range military technology Ukraine is using in its war with Russia. 

Australia has signed an agreement to buy 20 High Mobility Artillery Rockets, also known as HIMARS, by 2026. 

Canberra also has a deal to acquire the Norwegian-made Naval Strike Missiles — anti-ship and land-attack missiles — for Australian warships next year. 

The HIMARS system is made in the United States by Lockheed Martin Corp. It has proved its deadly efficiency in the war in Ukraine. On New Year’s Day, Ukrainian forces used the missile system donated by the United States to kill dozens, possibly hundreds of Russian soldiers in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. 

Australian officials have said that HIMARS have a range of 300 kilometers. 

Canberra is also working with Lockheed Martin to make a new generation of missiles with a range of up to 500 kilometers. 

Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Thursday that the technology will give the military firepower it has never had before. 

“We will have an Army ground-launched missile that can reach targets up to 300 kilometers away.” Conroy said.  

He added that, “We are part of a developmental program with the United States called the Precision Strike Missile that will allow [the] army to hit targets in excess of 499 kilometers. So, this will give the Australian army a strike capability they have never had before.” 

The Naval Strike Missiles are made by Norwegian company Kongsberg. 

They will replace Harpoon anti-ship missiles on the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class destroyers and Anzac-class frigates from 2024. 

Australian officials have said both missile systems would help Australian forces “deter conflict and protect our interests.” 

In August 2022, the federal government announced a review of Australia’s defense capabilities. 

The assessment is being carried out by retired Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston and former Defense Minister Stephen Smith. 

They are expected to hand their report to the government next month. 

Read More 

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI funeral mass held in Saint Peter’s Square, presided over by Pope Francis

January 5, 2023 Published by

Latest & Breaking News on Fox News 

The funeral mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 95, is being held in Saint Peter’s Square, directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. It starts at 9:30 a.m. local time, or 3:30 a.m. EST.

Pope Francis will preside over the late pontiff’s funeral processions.

The Vatican announced Benedict, born in 1927 as Joseph Ratzinger, had passed away Saturday morning at 9:34 a.m.

The late pontiff’s body is currently being held in Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in Vatican City, where he spent the majority of his life post-papacy.

POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI DEAD AT 95, VATICAN SAYS

Thursday’s ceremony will bring an end to a days-long memorial for the late pope as tens of thousands of people paid tribute to his life and legacy from Monday through Wednesday.

The Vatican said nearly 160,000 people had passed through the basilica during that time.

On Wednesday, the late pope’s body was placed in a cypress coffin – the first of three coffins – along with a brief, written summary of his historic papacy, the coins minted during his pontificate and his pallium stoles.

Thousands also attended the final day of the public viewing of Benedict’s body, lying in state in St. Peter’s Basilica before Thursday’s funeral.

POPE BENEDICT’S VISION OF CATHOLICISM, VATICAN II, AND THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH ENDURE THROUGH HIS TEACHINGS

At the Vatican Wednesday, Pope Francis praised Pope Benedict for his “acute and gentle thought.” He called Benedict a “great master of catechesis.”

“His acute and gentle thought was not self-referential, but ecclesial, because he always wanted to accompany us in the encounter with Jesus,” Francis said during his remarks.

After the funeral, Benedict’s remains will be carried back into the Basilica and the coffin will be placed into a coffin made of zinc and another one made of oak.

The coffin will then be placed in the crypt once occupied by the tomb of St. John Paul II in the grottos underneath the Basilica, per Benedict’s request.

POPE BENEDICT’S LAST WORDS, ACCORDING TO HIS BEDSIDE NURSE

Benedict’s personal secretary Archbishop Georg Gänswein, who attended to him up until his death, told Vatican News a nurse told him the pope made one last profession of love to the Lord in his final words.

“With just a whisper of a voice, but in a clearly distinguishable manner, [Benedict] said in Italian, ‘Lord, I love you!’ I was not there at the moment, but the nurse told me about it shortly afterwards,” Gänswein said.

He added, “These were his last comprehensible words, because afterwards he was no longer able to express himself.”

POPE BENEDICT’S SECRETARY SOON TO PUBLISH INSIDE STORY OF HIS PAPACY: ‘NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH’

Gänswein is expected to share more about Pope Benedict XVI, whom he served in multiple capacities for almost two decades, in a soon-to-be-published book on his experiences with the late pontiff.

Archbishop Georg Gänswein serves as the prefect of the papal household and was a constant companion of Pope Benedict before his death.

The insider book on the late pope is titled, “Nothing but the Truth: My Life Beside Pope Benedict XVI” and his writings reportedly document Pope Benedict’s perspective on major Catholic issues, including the pedophilia scandal, the Vatileaks documents and his own unexpected retirement.

“These pages contain a personal testimony of the greatness of a meek man, a fine scholar, a cardinal, and a pope who made the history of our time,” Gänswein told the Italian press of the book. “But they are also a firsthand account that seeks to shed light on some misunderstood aspects of his pontificate and to describe the real ‘Vatican world’ from within.”

 

​Read More 

 

More forecasts: 30 days Toronto weather