This Sunday the Vatican released images of the burning chapel of the Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, died this Saturday at the age of 95.
Benedict is in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, located within the Vatican Gardens, and where the former pontiff had resided since his resignation in 2013.
The body was clothed in a red chasuble, typical of deceased Popes, with a rosary intertwined in his hands.
Next to him there is a lit candle and in the corner of the room a manger.
About the funeral, Holy See reported that the Pope Emeritus asked for a simple celebration, so only two official delegations will attend: that of Italy and that of Germany, the country where he was born.
From this Monday until Wednesday, his remains will be exposed in St. Peter's Basilica, where the faithful will be able to say their last goodbye. Monday will be from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., while Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
He Funeral will be held on Thursday, January 5 at 9:30 a.m. His remains will rest in the Crypt of the Popes, near the tomb of Saint Peter.
This Sunday, at the Angelus in St. Peter's Square, the Pope Francisco He dedicated a few words of tribute to his predecessor, and asked the 40,000 faithful present to pray together for his soul.
"In these hours we invoke your intercession in particular for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who left this world yesterday morning. We all unite, with one heart and one soul, to give thank God for the gift of this faithful servant of the Gospel and the Church"Francisco said.
German flags or those with the name of Benedict XVI waved on the wide esplanade.
On Saturday morning, a few minutes after 9:34, when the death occurred, the Pope went to the monastery and prayed next to Benedict's body.
According to those who assisted him in his last moments, he died with great serenity.
Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was the 265th Pope and replaced John Paul II. He was the head of the Catholic Church from April 19, 2005 until his resignation on February 28, 2013.
In 2012 he visited Cuba, where he celebrated several masses and had a brief meeting with former president Fidel Castro.
He was the second pontiff to travel to the island and gave a golden rose to the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, patron saint of Cuba.
Before returning to the Vatican, in front of the country's main politicians, he asked for "authentic freedom" for Cubans.
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