Vatican City, Jan 2, 2023 / 04:54 am
The mortal remains of Benedict XVI were moved early Monday morning to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the late pope will lie in state through Jan. 4.
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over a brief ritual after Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s body was carried up the center aisle of the basilica at 7:15 a.m.
The cardinal solemnly incensed the body and sprinkled it with holy water as a choir chanted sung prayers offered for the repose of his soul.
Benedict XVI is lying in state directly in front of the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, above the tomb of the Church’s first pope, St. Peter.