Benedict XVI: 1000’s flock to the Vatican to pay their respects to the late Pope

1000’s of individuals started paying their respects to former Pope Benedict XVI on the Vatican.

Benedict XVI died on New Yr’s Eve on the age of 95, virtually a decade after retiring attributable to unwell well being.

Pope Francis will preside over Thursday’s funeral, the primary time a pope has officiated at his predecessor’s funeral.

By dawn within the Vatican, the depositors have been already queuing in entrance of the Vatican in St. Peter’s Sq..

The primary to attend was Father Alfredo Elnar, 30, from the Philippines. He stated he had studied and admired the previous pope’s theological writings and spoke of the void left by his dying.

Standing within the queue was Sister Marijana Patricevic, a nun from Croatia. She spoke of her gratitude for all that the late Pope had accomplished and stated that every one the topics she studied on the college dealt along with his views.

Father Richard Kunst, who has traveled from america, stated that as he takes a farewell have a look at the pope, he’ll pray for him, but in addition for a miracle to assist a good friend in his nation who’s dying of most cancers.

Benedict XVI retired for well being causes in 2013, changing into the primary pope in 600 years.

His physique will stay in an open coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica for 3 days, with individuals allowed to say goodbye till 7 p.m. every day.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, amongst others, gave a farewell look earlier than the church opened to the general public.

The burial takes place in St. Peter’s Sq. earlier than the Pope is buried within the tombs beneath the church.

The Vatican launched photos of the physique on Sunday, wearing a pink papal mourning gown and a hood embellished with gold.

Messages of condolence have been poured in from all over the world and the funeral is predicted to attract 1000’s of individuals.

The funeral of the final pope, that of Pope John Paul II in 2005, was one of many largest Christian gatherings in historical past, drawing an estimated 4 million individuals to Rome.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni advised reporters Benedict requested that the funeral be simple.

Particulars of the visitor record weren’t disclosed, however the Vatican stated it might embrace delegations from Italy and Germany, the late pope’s birthplace.

Pope Francis paid homage to his “pricey” predecessor after his dying.

US President Joe Biden praised the previous pope’s “devotion to the Church”, whereas Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised him as a “nice man whom historical past won’t overlook”.

And in Brazil, the world’s largest Catholic nation, the brand new president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, stated he was asking for “comfort for the trustworthy and admirers of the Holy Pope.”

Pope Benedict has been a controversial determine, and a few have criticized him for failing to research allegations of sexual abuse by clergy.