Thousands of mourners have queued up to view Pope Benedict XVI ‘s body lying in state in St. Peter’s Basilica. Many waited for hours in wet weather conditions before the doors to the basilica were swung open to the public. Security officials expected at least 25,000 people to pass by the body on the first day of viewing. The former Pope died on Saturday aged 95 in the Vatican monastery where he had lived since his retirement in 2013.
Public viewing of Pope Benedict lying in state lasts for 10 hours today in St. Peter’s Basilica today, with 12 hours of viewing scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Benedict’s funeral will then take place at St. Peter’s Square on Thursday morning and be presided over by Pope Francis.
Filippo Tuccio, 35, travelled from Venice on an overnight train to view Benedict’s body.
He said: “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.
Mr Tuccio added he had studied theology, and “his pontificate accompanied me during my university years”
The pilgrim continued: “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.”
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