Thousands line up to see former pope Benedict’s body lying in state | 24CA News

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI ‘s physique is mendacity in state in St. Peter’s Basilica on the Vatican and hundreds of individuals lined up hours earlier than daybreak on Monday to pay their respects.

The doorways of the basilica had been swung open so members of the general public may pay their respects to the late pontiff, who shocked the world in 2013 by retiring from the papacy, the primary to take action in 600 years.

The frail, 95-year-old Benedict died Saturday morning within the Vatican monastery the place he had lived since his retirement. 

Filippo Tuccio, 35, got here from Venice on an in a single day prepare to view Benedict’s physique.

“I wanted to pay homage to Benedict because he had a key role in my life and my education. I arrived here at around 7:30, after leaving Venice last night,” Tuccio stated.

“When I was young I participated in World Youth Days,” stated the pilgrim, referring to the jamborees of younger trustworthy held periodically and attended by pontiffs. Tuccio added that he had studied theology, and “his pontificate accompanied me during my university years.”

“He was very important for me: for what I am, my way of thinking, my values. This is why I wanted to say goodbye today.”

Public viewing lasts for 10 hours on Monday in St. Peter’s Basilica. Twelve hours of viewing are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday earlier than Thursday morning’s funeral, which might be led by Pope Francis, at St. Peter’s Square.

Security officers anticipated not less than 25,000 individuals to go by the physique on the primary day of viewing.