Thousands mourn the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI this week

An estimated 65,000 people visited Vatican City to pay their respects to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, whose body is on display in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Benedict’s body was dressed in a bishop’s miter and a red cloak, laid out on red pillows atop a coffin draped in gold cloth. For two more days, it will remain in state for worshipers to pay their respects to the first pope in nearly 600 years to step down as head of the Catholic Church.

Benoît died on Saturday. He was 95 and his death came just days after Pope Francis asked for prayers following reports that his predecessor was in failing health.

Vatican officials had estimated that at least 25,000 people would pay their respects on Monday, the first day of the viewing. But by the end of the day, the Vatican said some 65,000 people had gone through the beer.

Here’s what to expect this week:

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How long will Benoît remain in state?

Just after 9 a.m. local time on Monday, the doors of the basilica opened for the public to pay their respects to the late pontiff, his body clad in a miter, a bishop’s visored headgear and a red coat.

People were hurrying up the central aisle to pass the beer hall with its draped fabric after waiting in a mid-morning line that snaked around St. Peter’s Square.

An organ and choir rendition of “Kyrie Eleison” (“Lord, have mercy” in ancient Greek) in the background, ushers moved well-wishers along the central aisle of the basilica toward the body.

The viewing was also set for Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Who attended the viewing?

Notables who attended the viewing included Cardinal Walter Kasper, as did Benedict, a German theologian. Kasper served as head of the Vatican’s Christian Unity Office during Benedict XVI’s papacy.

Benedict left a “significant mark” on theology and spirituality but also on the history of the papacy with his courage to stand down, Kasper told The Associated Press. Benedict cited age and declining health when he stepped down in 2013.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the far-right leader who has professed her admiration for Benedict XVI’s conservative leanings, visited the basilica to pay his respects. Italian President Sergio Mattarella was also present.

When is Benoît’s funeral?

Benedict XVI’s funeral will be led by Pope Francis – an unprecedented opportunity for a current pope to celebrate the funeral mass of a former pope – and will take place on Thursday in St. Peter’s Square.

The funeral will be marked by simplicity in accordance with Benedict XVI’s wishes, the Vatican has said.

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Where will Benedict be buried?

Benedict’s tomb will be in the grotto crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica which was last used by St. John Paul II in accordance with Benedict’s wishes, the Vatican said.

The saint’s body was moved upstairs to the main basilica ahead of his beatification in 2011, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.

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How long did Benoît serve?

Joseph Ratzinger was born in Germany in 1927 and became pope in 2005.

As a general rule, popes serve until death. Benedict is the first pope since the 1400s to leave office alive when he stepped down in 2013.

Upon retirement, Benedict left the Vatican for several months while the cardinals selected and installed Francis. Benedict then returned to the Vatican, no longer being pope or cardinal. Instead, he asked to be known as Father Benedict and lived out his life in the monastery on Vatican grounds.

Dig deeper

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Contributor: Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY; The Associated Press