FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI, center left, applauds, as his brother, Georg, right, looks on, during a concert by the German Symphonic Orchestra Bayerischer Rundfunk and the Bamberger Symphoniker, at the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. The Rev. Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, who earned renown in his own right as a director of an acclaimed German boys' choir, has died at age 96. The Regensburg diocese in Bavaria, where Ratzinger lived, said in a statement on his website that he died on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)
The Associated Press
BERLIN (AP) - A funeral is to be held in Germany next week for the Rev. Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI who died Wednesday at the age of 96.
The Diocese of Regensburg said Thursday that Ratzinger will be laid to rest in the Bavarian city's Catholic cemetery Wednesday afternoon following a service led by Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer.
The acclaimed boys' choir Ratzinger headed for several decades will stage a farewell concert Sunday. The public is invited to attend prayers in Regensburg Cathedral on Monday evening and to sign a book of condolences Tuesday.
The Regensburger Domspatzen choir, which traces its history back to the 10th century, toured the world under Ratzinger's leadership, performing for Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II. But after his retirement from the post, Ratzinger apologized for using corporal punishment to discipline boys amid a wider investigation into sexual and physical abuse in the Roman Catholic Church.
Georg Ratzinger remained extremely close to his brother throughout his career, expressing dismay when then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope in 2005 that the stress would affect his health and that they would no longer spend so much time together.
Benedict made a four-day visit to Regensburg to be with his ailing brother just over a week before Ratzinger's death. The diocese said it wasn't likely the retired pope, who is 93, would be able to make the trip from Italy again to attend the funeral.
Pope Francis on Thursday sent a personal note of condolences to Benedict, thanking his predecessor for having informed him about the death of his 'œbeloved brother.'ť
Francis assured Benedict of his prayers both for his brother and for Benedict himself.
"I want to renew my deepest condolences and spiritual proximity in this moment of pain,'ť wrote Francis, who succeeded Benedict after his retirement in 2013.
Pallbearers prepare the coffin of Georg Ratzinger in Regensburg, Germany, Wednesday, July 1, 2020. The Rev. Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI., has died at age 96. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader,)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2006 file picture Pope Benedict XVI, right, walks with his brother priest Georg Ratzinger in Regensburg, southern Germany. The Rev. Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, who earned renown in his own right as a director of an acclaimed German boys' choir, has died at age 96. The Regensburg diocese in Bavaria, where Ratzinger lived, said in a statement on his website that he died on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Diether Endlicher, File)
The Associated Press
Nuns stand at the coffin of Georg Ratzinger in Regensburg, Germany, Wednesday, July 1, 2020. The Rev. Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI., has died at age 96. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader,)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010 file photo, Georg Ratzinger attends a ceremony to hand over the keys of his house in Pentling near Regensburg, Germany. The Rev. Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, who earned renown in his own right as a director of an acclaimed German boys' choir, has died at age 96. The Regensburg diocese in Bavaria, where Ratzinger lived, said in a statement on his website that he died on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)
The Associated Press
Nuns stand at the coffin of Georg Ratzinger in Regensburg, Germany, Wednesday, July 1, 2020. The Rev. Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI., has died at age 96. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader,)
The Associated Press