On Thursday, Pope Francis presided over the funeral of his German predecessor, Benedict XVI, in St Peter’s Square, which was packed.
It was the first time in modern history that such proceedings were presided over by a sitting pontiff.
On New Year’s Eve, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died at the age of 95. In February 2013, he became the first pope in 600 years to abdicate.
“We have come with the scent of gratitude and the oil of hope to show you the love that is never lost,” Francis said.
“We want to do so with the same anointing, knowledge, delicacy, and dedication that you have bestowed over the years.
“It is the God-fearing people who, united, accompany and entrust the life of he who was its pastor (to the Lord)”.
There were several banners in the square saying “Danke Benedikt”.
At the end of the ceremony, the faithful chanted for Benedict to be proclaimed “Santo Subito” (Saint Right Away), echoing the call made at Saint John Paul II’s funeral.
Moving scenes included Pope Francis placing his hand on Benedict’s coffin for a moment of prayer before it was carried into St. Peter’s Basilica to be entombed.
The funeral was attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Premier Giorgia Meloni, among others.
The funeral was attended by dignitaries from around the world, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and Queen Sofia of Spain.
When Benedict’s cypress wood coffin was carried into the square, there was a warm round of applause.
Because of a long-standing knee problem, Francis arrived in a wheelchair.
According to the Vatican press office, the Gendarmerie police corps estimated that 50,000 people attended the funeral, with over 200,000 paying their respects to Benedict during his three-day lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica.
In his coffin, Benedict XVI has the coins and medals minted during his pontificate, as well as the palliums he wore as part of his robes.
He also possesses a metal cylinder containing a ‘rogito’ (deed) or record of what occurred during his pontificate.
The late pontiff is being laid to rest in Saint Pope John Paul II’s former tomb, which was vacated when he was brought up into the basilica from its basement after being beatified in 2011.
Source: ANSA
