Tens of thousands of worshipers gathered on Monday at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome to pay homage to the remains of former Pope Benedict XVI, who died on Saturday at the age of 95 and whose funeral will be held on Thursday by his successor, Pope Francis, News.ro reported, citing AFP. .

Former Pope Benedict XVIPhoto: Alessandro Serrano’/AGF / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

A long line of people stood all day in St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by the Bernini colonnade, in the presence of numerous members of the press and 1,000 law enforcement officers.

At 7:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. Romanian), when the doors of the huge basilica closed, the Vatican counted 65,000 people in attendance.

The faithful will be able to pay their respects again on Tuesday and Wednesday, between 07:00 and 19:00 local time (8:00 and 20:00 Romanian).

“It seemed normal to come to pay her respects after all she has done for the Church,” Sister Anna Maria, an Italian nun, told AFP.

“He was a great Pope, profound and unique,” said Francesca Gabrielli, who came specially from Tuscany and appreciated the “quiet atmosphere” in the basilica.

The body of former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger lies in front of the church’s main altar, placed on a cloth-covered hearse and flanked by two Swiss guards in full dress. The deceased Pope is dressed in red – the color of papal mourning – has a white miter with a gold band, holds a rosary and a crucifix.

Believers and tourists could retreat for a few minutes – without stopping – in front of the hearse. Most took photos on their smartphones, others prayed and were baptized.

Among the first visitors before the church was opened to the public were Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Maloni and President Sergio Mattarella. Benedict’s closest adviser, Archbishop Georg Hanswein, took a seat in the front pew, along with Benedict’s family and the doctors who cared for him in his final days. A few hours later, they rose to pray before the body, while Hanswein remained to receive condolences from visitors.