The Vatican released this Sunday the first images of the mortal remains of Benedict XVI, who died yesterday at the age of 95.
The embalmed body of Joseph Ratzinger remains in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesia Monastery, which was his home for the last almost 10 years of his life, since he resigned from the pontificate in 2013. You can see the images in the video that accompanies this news item. issued by the Holy See.
The emeritus pope appears reclining in the monastery chapel, at the foot of an imposing cross, with kneelers for prayer and with a rosary in his hands.
The remains of Benedict XVI will be transferred tomorrow Monday to the Basilica of San Pedro, where they will remain for three days, exposed so that the faithful can have "one last meeting with him, to greet him and say goodbye", according to the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni.
Pope Francis will preside over the funeral of the pope emeritus this Thursday, January 5 at 9:30 a.m. in Saint Peter's Square.