The Catholic Church is conducting now a historic funeral for Pope Benedict XVI at St.Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Recitation of the rosary started just before the beginning of the funeral. Even though the thick fog enshrouded the Vatican city, thousands of faithful gathered for saying goodbye to Pope Emeritus.
The funeral ceremony will be a mix of ancient rituals and new precedents for a figure who transformed the papacy with his decision 10 years ago to retire.
Pope Francis will preside over the Mass, as the day’s novel aspect. There will be a Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope emeritus Benedict.