Thousands line up for viewing of Pope Emeritus Benedict's body at Vatican

Thousands of people lined up across St Peter's Square hours before dawn on Dec 2 to view Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's body and pay their respects.

Security officials expected at least 25,000 people to pass by the body on the first day of viewing.

Public viewing lasts for 10 hours on Monday in St Peter's Basilica.

12 hours of viewing are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday before Thursday morning's funeral, which will be led by Pope Francis, in the square.

The frail, 95-year-old Benedict died Saturday morning in the Vatican monastery

He had lived in the Vatican monastery since his retirement in 2013 when he became the first pontiff to resign in 600 years.

Rest in Peace.. RIP...Pope Emeritus Benedict