People are expected to converge in their tens of thousands to pay their respects to former Pope Benedict XVI at his lying in state at the Vatican.
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| A photo of Pope Benedict XVI lying in state |
Former Pope Benedict XVI died at the age of 95 on New Year’s eve, almost ten years after he stood down due to ill health.
Thursday’s funeral will be presided over by Pope Francis. This is the first time a Pope will be buried by his successor.
Already, a queue was gathering at the edge of St. Peter’s Square, as dawn broke over the Vatican.
Citing ailing health, Benedict XVI became the first Pope to resign in 600 years in 2013.
Former Pope Benedict XVI’s body will be displayed in an open casket for three days at St. Peter’s Basilica, with people permitted to pay their respects until 7pm each evening.
The funeral will take place in St. Peter’s Square before the Pope Emeritus is laid to rest in the tombs beneath the Basilica.
Photo: Vatican Press Media via BBC
