VATICAN: Pope Francis is set to deliver a eulogy in honor of his friend and retired predecessor on Thursday at the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a first for the modern Catholic Church.
In 2013, Benedict, who died on Saturday at the age of 95, shocked the faithful by stepping down as the first pope to do so in more than 600 years. Church experts predict that his funeral will be the first time that a Supreme Pontiff has presided over the funeral of a previous pope.
According to Matteo Bruni, a Vatican spokesman, the funeral, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. local time, will be "broadly identical" to that held for pontiffs who have passed away while in charge of the church.
According to Bruni, the components that are most important to a reigning pontiff are absent, including the last prayers, the prayers of the Eastern Churches, the Diocese of Rome, and other prayers that are very specific to a pope in office.
While only Italian and German officials have received an official invitation from the Church, heads of state and Catholic dignitaries are expected to attend. Foreign embassies were informed by the Vatican that other world leaders were welcome to attend, but only in their "private capacity".
Joseph Donnelly, the US ambassador to the Holy See, will represent the United States "in accordance with the wishes of both the Vatican and the Pope Emeritus for a simple, solemn funeral", according to officials.
In 2005, Benedict, who was 78 years old and was appointed as pope, succeeded Joseph Ratzinger, who was born in Germany in 1927. Eight years later, citing deteriorating health, he retired.
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The retired pontiff's remains lie in state in red robes at St Peter's Basilica, where thousands of worshipers have descended this week.
Just outside the red velvet ropes encircling Benedict's remains, members of the Swiss Guard stand on either side of him. There is a constant flood of mourners in the church. People are standing in line for hours to have darshan.
Vatican officials confirmed that the bells at St Peter's Basilica have not rung since Benedict's death on Saturday. For the demise of a sitting pope, the death toll usually rings up.
Benedict's remains will be placed on Wednesday in a triple casket, which will be made of wood, cypress and pewter. The three coffins will be taken to St Peter's Square for the funeral at around 8:50 am the next day.
In the days before and after Benedict died, Francis urged the faithful of the Church to pray for him. After the resignation of Benedict, there were reports of good relations between the two Popes.
According to a Vatican press office official who spoke to reporters on Sunday, Francis was "the first" to arrive on Saturday at the Mater Ecclesia monastery where Benedict lives inside the Vatican walls. According to Bruni, thereafter the pontiff spent some time in prayer in a monastery.
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Pope Francis urged followers to seek "the intercession of Mary Most Holy for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI" on 1 January. Let us all join in thanking God for the gift of this dedicated servant of the Gospel and the Church, continued the pontiff, "with one heart and one soul."
Benedict's remains will be buried after a funeral service on Thursday, according to Vatican officials. According to Bruni, the "Rozito," is a written document summarizing the papacy and is kept in a metal cylinder inside the sarcophagus. He will be buried in St Peter's Crypt, which has served as the final resting place for more than 90 popes.