(ANSA) - ROME, 05 JAN - There was a long and moving applause to welcome the arrival of Benedict XVI's coffin in St. Peter's Square carried by the chairs.
St. Peter's Square was already full in the early hours;
a fog full of charm and mystery has long enveloped the square.
German and Polish flags flutter in the sky;
many of the faithful arrived from Bavaria in typical costume.
"Santo Subito" reads a sign displayed by one of the many faithful present in St. Peter's Square.
Once mass has begun, the faithful continue to enter St. Peter's Square and go through the metal detector controls.
The phones of those who have already managed to enter are pointed towards the churchyard.
There is still free space on the sides of the square which continues to fill up as the minutes go by.
Many politicians and crowned heads present in the front row at the funeral ceremony.
(HANDLE).