(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 31.12.2022).- What will the Pope Emeritus’ funeral be like? Are tickets necessary to attend? What official delegations will be present? At what times will it be possible to visit the Basilica with Benedict XVI’s body lying in state?
According to a press release of the Holy See Press Office, “The mortal remains of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will rest in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery until dawn on Monday, January 2. No visits are foreseen or public prayers.”
From 9:00 am on Monday, January 2, the body will lie in state for the visit of the faithful in Saint Peter’s Basilica. According to information received by ZENIT, on Monday “the Basilica will be open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and, on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.”
Pope Francis will preside over the Pope Emeritus’ funeral in Saint Peter’s Square on Thursday, January 5 at 9:30 am. Tickets are not necessary to attend. The official delegations present at the funeral will be from German and Italy.
At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration the Last Commendatio and Valedictio will take place. The Supreme Pontiff Emeritus’ coffin will be taken to Saint Peter’s Basilica and afterwards to the Vatican Grottoes for burial.
