The Vatican press office estimated that 65,000 people had made the pilgrimage throughout the day as they calculated the visitor count late Monday.
Simple rituals of prayer, holy water, incense, and silent goodbyes began in darkness inside
The Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery witnessed simple rituals of prayer, holy water, incense, and silent goodbyes shown by the pilgrims.
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, incensed Benedict’s body and sprinkled it with holy water, praying for Benedict’s soul. The dignitaries in attendance included Italy’s president, Sergio Mattarella, and prime minister, Giorgia Meloni.
Outside, well-wishers waited patiently in St. Peter’s Square to enter the basilica, some praying for the former pope as they shuffled forward.