MON. 02 JANUARY, 2023-theGBJournal| Church, political leaders and faithful are paying their respect to Pope Emeritius Benedict XVI as his body lie-in state in the St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of his funeral on Thursday.
A long line of pilgrims from different parts of the world started queuing since the early hours of today before entering the Basilica to pay their respect.
The ex-Pope’s remains was transferred to the Basilica earlier today, where the body will lay in state for three days.
Prior to the transfer, The Vatican News reports that close friends, associates and coworkers were able to view the body in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, where the ex-Pope spent his final years of his life.
On Thursday, Pope Francis will become the first Pope in modern history to preside as Pope at the funeral of predecessor. A Requiem Mass will take place on Thursday morning in St. Peter’s Square, beginning at 9.30 am Rome time.
Twitter-@theGBJournal|Facebook-The Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.ng|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
