NPR

Why retired pope Benedict's funeral will be so unusual

Benedict was the first pope to step down in nearly 600 years, creating a rare relationship between a sitting and former pope.
Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd gathered in St Mark's Square while crossing the square on an electric car in 2011 in Venice, Italy.

When retired Pope Benedict XVI is laid to rest on Thursday, it will be an event unprecedented in the modern history of the Catholic Church.

Not only was Benedict the first modern pope to step down, but his funeral will be highly unusual because the

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