On the eve of the first of three days of viewing, Italian security officials had said at least 25,000-30,000 people would come on Monday. But by mid-afternoon, Vatican police estimated that about 40,000 had filed by the body, the Holy See said
On the eve of the first of three days of viewing, Italian security officials had said at least 25,000-30,000 people would come on Monday. But by mid-afternoon, around six hours after the basilica’s doors were opened to the public, Vatican police estimated that about 40,000 had filed by the body, the Holy See said.
Before the rank-and-file faithful were allowed into the basilica, prayers were recited and the basilica’s archpriest, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, sprinkled holy water over the body, and a small cloud of incense was released near the bier. Benedict’s hands were clasped, a rosary around his fingers. “When I was young I participated in World Youth Days,” said the pilgrim, referring to the jamborees of young faithful held periodically and attended by pontiffs. Tuccio added that he had studied theology, and “his pontificate accompanied me during my university years.”Among those coming to the basilica viewing was Cardinal Walter Kasper, like Benedict, a German theologian. Kasper served as head of the Vatican’s Christian unity office during Benedict’s papacy.
Public viewing was set for 10 hours on Monday, and 12 hours each on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thursday morning’s funeral, which will be led by Pope Francis, at St. Peter’s Square. At two sides of the piazza’s colonnade, viewers went through the usual security measures required for tourists entering the basilica — passing through metal detectors and screening bags through an X-ray machine.“I think his main legacy was teaching us how to be free,” she said. “He had a special intelligence in saying what was essential in his faith and that was contagious” for other faithful. “The thing I thought when he died was that I would like to be as free as he was.
“I loved Benedict, I loved him as a cardinal , when he was elected pope and also after he retired,” Butorac said. “I think he was a sort of people’s grandfather living in the Vatican.”
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Pope Benedict XVI: Lying in state at the Vatican beginsTens of thousands of people are expected to pay their respects to Benedict XVI before his funeral on Thursday.
Weiterlesen »
Thousands flock to the Vatican for Pope Benedict's lying-in-state to pay respectsPeople from all over the world flocked to the St Peter's basilica in Rome to pay their respects to the former pope, who resigned in 2013
Weiterlesen »
Pope Francis prays for Benedict XVI as Vatican prepares to mourn former pontiffThe Vatican said Benedict's body will lie in state in St Peter's Basilica from Monday. The former pope died on Saturday at the age of 95.
Weiterlesen »
Benedict XVI: Thousands queue to see former pope's body lying in state at the VaticanDoors to St Peter's Basilica open to the public as mourners pay their respects to the late pontiff following his death at the age of 95.
Weiterlesen »
100,000 mourners expected to see Pope Benedict XVI lying in stateAlmost 100,000 people are expected to pass through St Peter’s Basilica over the next three days to pay their respects to the late Pope Benedict XVI.
Weiterlesen »
Pope Benedict XVI, Joseph Ratzinger, 1927 - 2022\n\t\t\tKeep abreast of significant corporate, financial and political developments around the world.\n\t\t\tStay informed and spot emerging risks and opportunities with independent global reporting, expert\n\t\t\tcommentary and analysis you can trust.\n\t\t
Weiterlesen »