Traditional Tiber dive dedicated to Pope Benedict

The traditional Tiber River New Year's plunge took place in Rome on Sunday, with one veteran diver dedicating his dive to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Benedict, 95, died Saturday morning in the Vatican monastery where he had lived since retirement.

Following the true Roman tradition, four Italian divers jumped into the river in the Italian capital to welcome in the New Year. One of the divers was Maurizio Palmulli, 70, who plunged into the water for the 35th year in a row as crowds of bystanders watched.

Three other divers also leapt off the Cavour Bridge, from a height of almost 15 meters. Since then, it has become an annual event, with hundreds gathering to watch the divers jump off the bridge.