Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. died Saturday morning at the age of 95. From Monday to Thursday, people now have time to say goodbye to him in St. Peter’s Basilica. The first day in 23 photos.
Tens of thousands of faithful have lined up in Rome since Monday to pay tribute to the late Benedict XVI. to pay their last respects.
Benedict passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 95. He was then laid in state in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican, where he had lived for nearly a decade after he abdicated as pope in 2013.
His body was taken by minibus from the monastery to St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday morning.
From Monday morning to Wednesday evening, believers can say goodbye to the emeritus pope. In front of the church and the security checks, people stood in long queues on Sint-Pietersplein.
Some have been waiting since the night to be admitted.
At 9:00 am the doors of the basilica were opened.
Then patience was needed.
The nuns took out their mobile phones to pass the time.
When you reach the basilica, you are not yet at the landscaped dead pope.
First, a long aisle must be covered.
At the end of it is Benedict XVI. prayers on cushions in front of the main altar. To his left and right are two Swiss Guards.
Mobile phones are also used here: many people take pictures to commemorate the Pope. Others pray for him.
Benedict’s clasped hands hold a rosary.
People flock to the corpse in the imposing church.
The Vatican Gendarmerie estimated that by 2 p.m. about 40,000 people had gathered at the cathedral.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni did not say on Monday whether the incumbent pope wanted to enter the cathedral again on Thursday for the funeral service.
One of the first mourners was Georgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella was in the basilica just before 9 a.m.
The gates of St. Peter’s Basilica should be open to visitors until 7 p.m. on Mondays, and visitors can come to the church from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The large funeral service is scheduled outside on Thursday, which Francis himself wants to celebrate at 9:30 am.
One pope burying another is a historic event following Benedict’s spectacular resignation in 2013.
Here, seated Pope Francis emeritus Benedict embraces on June 28, 2017.
Most recently, Pope Benedict XVI will be buried here in 2011 in the former tomb of his predecessor John Paul II. His final resting place will be in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica.
(saw/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
