Former Pope Benedict XVI lies in state in St Peter’s Basilica forward of funeral

VATICAN CITY - APRIL 24:  Pope Benedict XVI leads his inaugural mass in Saint Peter's Square on April 24, 2005 in Vatican City. Thousands of pilgrims attended the mass led by the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

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Rome
CNN
 — 

The lying-in-state of former Pope Benedict XVI, who died Saturday at the age of 95, began Monday in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City ahead of his funeral later this week.

Benedict, who was the first pontiff in almost 600 years to resign his position, rather than hold office for life, passed away on December 31 at a monastery in Vatican City, according to a statement from the Vatican.

He was elected Pope in April 2005, following John Paul II’s death.

The former Pope’s body was moved from the monastery to St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday morning, where it was laid out for the faithful to bid farewell, the Vatican said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella were among those to pay their respects as Benedict lay in state.

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