VATICAN CITY: The funeral service for Benedict XVI, described as a ‘courageous fighter for the faith’, had many features. It is significant that another Pope officiates for the funeral of one Pope. This is the first time in the history of the modern church, in the last 600 years to be precise, that such an event has occurred. The previous similar event was when Pope Pius VII officiated at the funeral of Pope Pius VI in 1802.
The coffin was closed, Beginning with the rosary
The casket was closed on Wednesday evening, January 4. The casket will be brought from St. Peter’s Basilica to St. Peter’s Square at 8:50 a.m. Vatican time on January 5. The funeral service will begin with a Rosary offered at 8:40 am Vatican time.
The casket will be moved to the vault of the Vatican Basilica after the Mass officiated by Pope Francis at 9:30 am (2:00 pm IST). There will be no public access. Other rites will be available in real-time, but graveside rites will not be available in real-time.
The scepter and the cross Will not be buried!
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s funeral will be similar to the funeral rites of the reigning popes. However, the Vatican has revealed that some things will not happen. Importantly, the scepter and cross are not buried inside the casket, as usual.
But some of the medals made during his reign and the palliums he received will be buried in the casket. In addition, a brief account of the reign of Benedict XVI will be placed in the casket in a metal cylinder.
Five languages in Thirukarma
The Vatican has published a special prayer book for the funeral service. The common prayers are in Latin. But the First Reading will be in Spanish, the Second Reading in English and the Gospel Reading in Italian. Answers to the prayers of the faithful are in German.
Same for the final journey Red shirt!
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI made his final journey wearing the same red Eucharistic cassock he wore at the World Youth Forum in Australia.
Saint John Paul In the tomb of the second, holy Peter’s grace!
Benedict XVI prepared the same tomb where Pope John Paul II was originally buried. The move is in keeping with Benedict XVI’s last wish to be laid to rest in the tomb where his predecessor, Saint John Paul II, was buried.
The mortal remains of Pope Saint John Paul II remained here until April 29, 2011. The relics were then transferred to the tomb at the top of the basilica. Next to this tomb is the tomb of Saint Peter, the first Pope and the prominent apostle.
Official invitation to two countries
Only Italy and Benedict XVI’s native Germany have been officially invited by the Vatican to the funeral. The Vatican had previously revealed that the cremation would be simple, in line with Benedict XVI’s wishes. This is perhaps due to the fact that only these two countries, which are closely related to the life of Benedict XVI, were invited. However, the presence of delegations from many countries is also expected.