St. Peter's Square, in Rome, the crowd is always full.
Since December 31, the date on which Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died at the age of 95, deep emotion has gripped not only Catholics, who are losing a man steeped in faith, intelligence and a rare humility but also the political class.
Read also“Benedict XVI, this great pope with such a sweet smile”
If no white smoke will escape from the papal chimney of the Vatican - his successor, Pope Francis has already been dressed in white since 2013 - the world will have its eyes fixed on the Vatican for this first week of January.
Since Monday, January 2, the faithful have been flocking to pay their last respects to Joseph Ratzinger, the first German pope.
Decked in papal red, his remains are on display in the heart of St. Peter's Basilica, where ticketless access is guaranteed, according to the Vatican.
Hundreds of people gather to pay homage to Benedict XVI.
CIRO DE LUCA / REUTERS
From dawn, many Catholics, often of Italian nationality, came to populate Saint Peter's Square.
In front of Bernini's colonnade, the queue gets longer as the hours go by.
In front of Bernini's colonnade, the queue lengthens as the hours go by.
GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE / REUTERS
"
It seemed normal to me to come and pay homage to him after all he has done for the Church
," Sister Anna-Maria, an Italian nun, told AFP.
At dawn, people gathered in front of Saint Peter's Basilica.
GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE / REUTERS
"
He was a great pope, deep and unique
", emphasizes Francesca, who came especially from Tuscany, who appreciates "
the atmosphere of meditation
" reigning in the basilica.
The faithful wishing to pay homage to him pass under the gold of Saint-Pierre cathedral.
ANDREAS SOLARO / AFP
After passing through a metal detector portal, worshipers and tourists enter through the central aisle into the largest church in the world.
Several cardinals and members of the Curia are present, including the private secretary of the pope emeritus, Bishop Georg Gänswein, who receives handshakes as a sign of condolence.
After passing through a metal detector portal, worshipers and tourists enter through the central aisle into the largest church in the world.
VATICAN MEDIA / REUTERS
Earlier in the morning, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, accompanied by his wife, came to meditate in front of the papal remains.
Earlier in the morning, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, accompanied by his wife, came to meditate with the papal remains.
VATICAN MEDIA / REUTERS
Died Saturday, December 31 in the morning at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, where he had retired for a few years to rest, Benedict XVI arrived very early on Monday morning at the basilica.
Benedict XVI arrived early Monday morning at the basilica after being transported by hearse from the Mater Ecclesiae monastery.
VATICAN MEDIA / REUTERS
Around 7 a.m., a private ceremony was celebrated immediately after, presided over by Cardinal Gambetti.
Around 7 a.m., a private ceremony was celebrated immediately after, presided over by Cardinal Gambetti.
VATICAN MEDIA / REUTERS
Dressed in the red robe and a white miter, the pope emeritus was greeted by the entire Curia.
Dressed in the red robe and a white miter, the pope emeritus was greeted by the entire Curia.
VATICAN MEDIA / REUTERS
Around the world, tributes are multiplying.
“
Thank you to God, for having given us through this pope, a useless servant of such fruitfulness
,” said Jean-Marc Aveline, the new cardinal of the diocese of Marseille.
All over the world, tributes are multiplying for the pope emeritus.
Here in Hong Kong.
PETER PARKS / AFP
On the same day, on the occasion of the mass of January 1, in honor of the Virgin Mary, Pope Francis saluted for his part the memory of the "
beloved
" Benedict XVI.
"
We all unite to give thanks to God for the gift of this faithful servant of the Gospel and of the Church
", then affirmed the Argentine sovereign pontiff at midday, on the occasion of the weekly prayer of the Angelus.
Images, postcards with the effigy of the pope emeritus multiply on the displays of the shops in the Vatican.
TIZIANA FABI / AFP