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Vatican shares first photos of Benedict XVI after death

The Vatican on Sunday shared the first photos of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI since his death on Dec. 31.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

Benedict’s mortal remains have been laid in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, the pope emeritus’ home after his resignation, until they will be brought to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing on Jan. 2.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

Benedict XVI is dressed in red and gold vestments and wearing a gold miter. Popes are traditionally dressed in red for their funerals.

The former pope has his rosary in his folded hands.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

The photos, the first of the deceased Benedict to be released, were taken on the morning of Jan. 1.

Benedict XVI will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica from Jan. 2-4. His funeral Mass will take place in the Vatican square on the morning of Jan 5.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

The funeral will be solemn, but sober, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

After the funeral Mass, Benedict XVI’s remains will be entombed in the Vatican crypt, under St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media

Bruni told journalists on Jan. 1 that some of the people closest to Benedict, likely those who worked for him in his household, will view the body at the Vatican monastery on Sunday.

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