Tens of thousands of admirers visited Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s body lying in state in Peter’s Basilica on the final day of viewing. On Wednesday evening, by the time the doors of the basilica shut to the public, about 200,000 pilgrims paid their respect over three days.
The Vatican officials were preparing to place the 95-year-old Pope’s body into a wooden coffin, ahead of Thursday morning’s funeral in St. Peter’s Square after shutting down the public viewing.
Only Italy and Germany were invited to send official delegations, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Italian President Sergio Mattarella confirmed their participation.
But other heads of state and government decided to take the Vatican up on its offer and come in their “private capacity.” They included several other heads of state, at least four prime ministers and two delegations of royal representatives. All were attending in what the Vatican describes as a “private” role.
And in a further sign of officialdom, the Italian government announced it was lowering all Italian and European Union flags to half-staff on public buildings across the country Thursday.