Pope Benedict XVI: Lying In State At The Vatican Begins

Tens of thousands of people are expected to pay their respects to former Pope Benedict XVI and also pay their last respects at his celebration in the Vatican.

He died at the age of 95 on New Year’s Eve, almost ten years after retiring due to illness.

Pope Francis is set to preside over Thursday’s funeral – the first time a pope has been buried by his successor.

When dawn came to the Vatican, a line had already formed at the edge of St. Peter’s Square.

At the forefront was Father Alfredo Erna (30 years old) from the Philippines. He said he had studied and admired the theological writings of the former pope, and spoke of the void since his death.

Not long ago, a Croatian nun, Sister Marianna Patricevic, spoke about how grateful the late Pope was for everything he did.

Father Richard Kunst, visiting from the United States, said that as he passes the Pope’s body, he not only prays for him, but also for the miracle of helping a friend dying of cancer in his home.

Benedict XVI In 2013, he became the first pope in 600 years to resign for health reasons.

His body is displayed in an open coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, and people are allowed to pay their respects every night until 7pm. A funeral service will be held in St. Peter’s Square before the Pope Emeritus is buried in a tomb under the Basilica.

The Vatican on Sunday released an image of the pope’s body wearing red mourning clothes and wearing gold-encrusted miters.

Tributes have been pouring in from around the world, and thousands are expected to attend the funeral.

Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005 was one of the largest gatherings of Christians in history, with an estimated 4 million people in Rome.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told journalists that Mr Benedict asked for a simple funeral. Details of the guest list have not been released, but the Vatican said it would include delegations from Italy and Benedict’s native Germany.

Pope Francis paid tribute to his “favorite” predecessor after his death.

US President Joe Biden praised the former pope for his “lifelong devotion to the Church,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised him as “a great figure that history will never forget.”

In Brazil, the world’s largest Catholic nation, new president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva said he wanted “consolation to the pope’s followers and admirers”.

Pope Benedict is a controversial figure, and some have criticized him for not addressing allegations of s*xual abuse by clergy.