The body of the German pope, whose birth name was Joseph Ratzinger, will stay at the monastery until early on Monday morning.

The Vatican has announced burial plans for Pope Benedict XVI.

He died on Saturday, 31st December, 2021.

The ex-pope’s funeral will take place in St Peter’s Square, the vast square in front of the basilica, on Thursday at 9:30am (08:30 GMT).

“As the Pope Emeritus wished, the funeral will be simple,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told journalists.

The body of the German pope, whose birth name was Joseph Ratzinger, will stay at the monastery until early on Monday morning.

Then it will be taken to lie in state at St Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful can pay their respects over three days.

The Vatican said official delegations from Italy and the ex-pope’s native Germany would attend the funeral.

Afterwards, “the coffin of the Supreme Pontiff Emeritus will be taken to St Peter’s Basilica, and then into the Vatican Grottoes for burial,” the Vatican said.

Share on:  Whatsapp  Twitter  Facebook