The late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. will be laid publicly in St. Peter’s Basilica from Monday, so that the faithful there can say goodbye to him. The remains currently rest in the private chapel of the former Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican. Benedikt lived there since his resignation in 2013 until his death on Saturday.
The deceased is dressed in a red papal robe. He wears a white miter on his head and black shoes on his feet. In his folded hands he holds a rosary and an olive branch. His body rests on pillows, next to him a candle burns. To his left is a decorated Christmas tree and to his right is a manger.
The body is laid out in St. Peter’s Basilica
The body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday morning. The people there can say goodbye to him until Wednesday evening. The basilica is open on Mondays from 9am to 7pm and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7am to 7pm. The prefect of Rome expects up to 35,000 visitors to the cathedral every day.
The funeral service with Pope Francis will follow on Thursday at St. Peter’s Square. Francis will celebrate this service – that one pope bury the other is a novelty. The party starts at 9:30 am. According to the Vatican, believers can participate without having to buy tickets. About 60,000 people are expected.
Two official foreign delegations have been invited: one from Germany, Benedict’s homeland, from where Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has already announced his visit; the other from Italy. As pope, Benedict was automatically bishop of the Italian capital Rome. In addition, many cardinals – especially those whom Benedict himself brought into the College of Cardinals during his pontificate – are expected in Rome.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
