As the mortal remains of Benedict XVI were moved early Monday morning to St. Peter’s Basilica, thousands flowed to pay final respects to the body of the former pope. The body will lie in state through 4 January.
A brief ritual was presided over by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica after Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s body was carried up the center aisle of the basilica at 7:15 a.m.
The cardinal solemnly incensed the body and sprinkled it with holy water as a choir chanted sung prayers offered for the repose of his soul.
Benedict XVI is lying in the state directly in front of the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, above the tomb of the Church’s first pope, St. Peter.
The former pope was dressed in red and gold vestments and wearing a gold miter. Popes are traditionally dressed in red for their funerals.
Benedict XVI had his rosary in his folded hands. He was wearing ordinary black clerical shoes, not the red shoes he famously wore during his reign.
Religious sisters, priests, and families took time to pause and pray in front of Benedict’s body throughout the day on Monday. Some were visibly moved to shedding tears. Others remained silent or quietly prayed the rosary.
The basilica will open earlier at 7 a.m., allowing 12 hours each day for the faithful to say their final goodbyes to the beloved former pope. The public will be able to view until 7 p.m.
Following the funeral for Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square, the late pope’s remains will be entombed in the Vatican crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica.