Pope Francis will preside at a funeral Mass in St. Peter's Square on Thursday for his predecessor former Pope Benedict, who died on Saturday at the age of 95.
Preparations for former Pope Benedict's funeral in operation outside St. Peter's Basilica, while the former Pope's body lies in state at the Basilica, at the Vatican January 4, 2023. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
The cypress coffin will be closed privately in the presence of a few close aides, such as Archbishop Georg Ganswein, who was Benedict's long-time secretary, and other members of the household where he lived after heAt 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, ushers known as papal gentlemen will carry the coffin in procession out of the basilica and place it on the steps facing St. Peter's Square. The faithful will pray the rosary for about 45 minutes.
Francis will deliver the homily at the Mass, which will be con-celebrated by 120 cardinals, 400 bishops and nearly 4,000 priests. He will say in Latin: "Gracious Father, we commend to your mercy Pope Emeritus Benedict, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of the Church, a fearless preacher of your word and a faithful minister of the divine mysteries."
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