Why do thousands of believers come to St. Peter’s Basilica to ask Pope Benedict XVI? to adopt? The “Krone” was there and asked around.
And suddenly it is very quiet. Conversations between Roman schoolchildren, the Ave Marias recited in unison. No more typing on the phone, no more selfies. In St. Peter’s Basilica, only organ playing can be heard as hundreds of worshipers slowly step forward to the altar. There he will lie until his funeral on Thursday: the body of Pope Benedict XVI.
A short bow, a fleeting sign of the cross – there is no time for more gestures directly in front of the Pope. ‘Avanti’, say the guides gruffly.
Strict security measures
On Monday alone, around 40,000 people made a pilgrimage to Benedict’s body until 2 p.m. The weather is favorable to the pilgrims: it is 15 degrees and slightly cloudy. It is already starting to build up outside Saint Peter’s Square. If you want to say goodbye to Joseph Ratzinger, you have to leave water bottles behind and go through the metal detector.
The target is approaching fast
When St. Peter’s Basilica is in sight, things move quickly. It takes me exactly one hour and 15 minutes to get to the altar. Many others also expected a longer wait. About Stefanie, Stephan and their son Levi. The Germans living on Lake Constance happened to be in Rome on vacation. “We are believers and the pope was German,” they explain why they came. “It’s something special to be here.”
“Experience and Tell”
A historic event – as such, the death of “Papa Benedetto” sees many lined up. “Some things you have to experience and tell,” says Emanuela from Rome. “I found Benedikt interesting as a person. He was a shy, gentle person.”
People here laugh and cry, they pray and take pictures. They are Christians, Muslims and Atheists. What unites them is respect for Benedict and his office.
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.
