The funeral of Benedict XVI, the pope emeritus who died on Saturday at age 95, took place in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Thursday after three days during which mourners could view his body and pay their final respects.
Benedict had lived inside the Vatican, mostly hidden from the public eye, since he resigned in 2013, becoming the first pontiff to give up the role for six centuries. The eight-year papacy of Benedict, a widely respected theologian whose papal name stems from one of the patron saints of Europe, was marred by scandals that ultimately led him to step down.
His funeral, the first in modern history presided over by a reigning pope, had the solemnity of the papal tradition, but lacked some prayers specific to reigning pontiffs, as well as some readings, and had a looser protocol. Only two official delegations attended, those of Italy and of Benedict’s native Germany. Other heads of state and monarchs attended.
Here are scenes from the funeral and from the three days during which the faithful could view his body in St. Peter’s.
Thursday
Pope Francis presiding over Benedict’s funeral.
Cardinals in St. Peter’s Square before the funeral.
A mourner prays in St. Peter’s Square.
A cardinal blessing Benedict’s coffin.
Mourners arriving early in St. Peter’s Square.
Thousands gathered for the ceremony.
Bishops and cardinals during the funeral service.
Preparing to say a last goodbye to the pope emeritus.
Members of the Swiss Guard among a group of bishops.
Pope Francis, seated, presides over the funeral.
Germans in traditional costumes lined up to secure a spot in St. Peter’s Square.
Mourners waiting to get into St. Peter’s Square slept on the street overnight.
Wednesday
The body of Benedict XVI lying in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Nuns in St. Peter’s Square the evening before Benedict’s funeral.
People lined up to see Benedict’s body.
Bishops and cardinals prayed in the basilica near Benedict’s body.
Lining up to pay homage to the pope emeritus.