Vatican City: Thousands of devotees flocked to pay their respects in front of the body of former Pope Benedict XVI (95), which was placed on public view at St. Peter’s Basilica yesterday. Benedict XVI died on December 31 due to the infirmities of old age.
Benedict XVI’s funeral will be held in Vatican Square on Thursday under the patronage of Pope Francis. It also marks the first time in 600 years that a sitting pope has presided over the last rites for his predecessor.
According to Benedict XVI’s wishes, the funeral will be simple. Public viewing will continue till 7 pm on Wednesday. As early as yesterday morning, long queues for public viewing stretched across Vatican Square. People from different countries were among them.
In the basilica, worshipers offered prayers in front of the body of Benedict XVI, guarded by two Swiss guards. Leaders including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella also reached the Basilica yesterday.
The Vatican said only representatives from Italy and Benedict XVI’s native Germany were officially invited as guests at the funeral.