Pope Benedict’s Funeral: Photos Of Spain’s Queen & More In Attendance

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January 5, 2023 10:08AM EST

Pope Emeritus Benedict has been put to rest. See photos from his funeral at the Vatican here.

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Pope Benedict XVI’s Funeral: Photos

Pope Benedict XVI’s Funeral: Photos — Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was laid to rest on Jan. 5, 2023 at the Vatican, in a ceremony lead by his predecessor Pope Francis. The retired pontiff died on Dec. 31, 2022 in Vatican City at the age of 85. The priest, born Joseph Alois Ratzinger in Germany, made history when he stepped down from his position as pope in 2013, making him the first pope in 600 years to leave the role before dying.

The funeral was attended by about 50,000 mourners in the heart of Vatican City, according to the church. His coffin was taken through St. Peter’s Square to the Vatican, where he was honored in a “simple” service at 10am local time. According to CNN, the service was close to the funeral traditions for a reigning pope’s passing but with some small modifications.

Want to see what happened at Pope Benedict’s funeral? See all the best photos here.

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Pope Benedict’s Coffin

Pope Benedict’s Coffin — Pallbearers held their heads high as they walked Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s coffin into St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Jan. 5. Upon the former pontiff’s passing, Vatican City began a week of mourning.

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Crowds Watch The Funeral Procession

Crowds Watch The Funeral Procession — The crowds were packed with important people. The event was attended by world leaders like Prime Minister Petr Fiala of the Czech Republic, according to CNN affiliate CNN Prima. Dignitaries Queen Sofia of Spain and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were also reported set to attend the funeral, per CNN.

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Pope Francis Leads Prayer

Pope Francis Leads Prayer — Pope Francis presided over the funeral service for his predecessor Pope Benedict. It was unprescendented, as no reigning Pope has ever had to put their peer to rest.

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Pope Francis Appears

Pope Francis Appears — Pope Francis’ homily for Pope Benedict was a tribute to his lasting faith. According to CNN, he told churchgoers, “God’s faithful people, gathered here, now accompanies and entrusts to him the life of the one who was their pastor. Like the women at the tomb, we too have come with the fragrance of gratitude and the balm of hope, in order to show him once more the love that is undying. We want to do this with the same wisdom, tenderness and devotion that he bestowed upon us over the years. Together, we want to say: ‘Father, into your hands we commend his spirit.’

He added, “Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom, may your joy be complete as you hear his voice, now and forever.”

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The Pope Is Adorned

The Pope Is Adorned — Pope Francis wore special garb for the funeral of his predesessor Pope Benedict. The world’s most important Catholic Cardinals were also there.

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The Pope Holds Court

The Pope Holds Court — Pope Francis held up a scepter of the cross during Pope Benedict’s funeral. It was a somber mass at the Vatican.

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The Crowd At Pope Benedict’s Funeral

The Crowd At Pope Benedict’s Funeral — People were sure to pay tribute to the Pope. During the coffin procession to St. Peter’s Basilica, crowds were heard chanting “Santo Subito,” a call for the late Benedict to be sainted.

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Legions Gather For The Late Pope

Legions Gather For The Late Pope — The church said over 50k people were in attendance, per CNN. Previous pontiff, Pope John Paul II’s funeral was attended by over 1million people.

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Cardinals Remember The Pope

Cardinals Remember The Pope — There were bishops and cardinals everywhere at the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Here, you can see George Gänswein, archbishop of the Curia and longtime private secretary to the late Pope Benedict.

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Somber Crowds At The Pope’s Funeral

Somber Crowds At The Pope’s Funeral — Mourners took in scene at the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on January 05, 2023. Since his retirement, the pope served the church studying theology at the Vatican.

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The Pope’s Coffin Leaves

The Pope’s Coffin Leaves — After the funeral rights, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s coffin was taken through the Basilica and to the Vatican crypt for the burial.

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Pope Benedict’s Funeral Rights

Pope Benedict’s Funeral Rights — St. Peter’s Basilica was filled to capacity during Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s funeral. An additional 60k people were outside of the cathedral mourning.

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