Pope Francis prayed for a few seconds before the coffin of Benedict XVI before a group of twelve seditionaries, the former bearers of the Gestatory Chair of the Popes, brought it back into St. Peter’s Basilica for its transfer to the Vatican Grottoes – in the lower part of the church – for burial.
In addition, at the end of the funeral, Pope Francis went to the crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica where Benedict XVI was buried in the tomb of his predecessor, John Paul II.
The cypress coffin, with the mortal remains of the German pope and some personal objects, was placed on the altar in St. Peter’s Square at 8:50 a.m. for the funeral, presided over by Pope Francis, and two hours later, at 10:53 a.m., he was carried on his shoulders to St. Peter’s Basilica.
In the square, many people shouted in unison ‘Santo Subito’, the expression popularized at the funeral of St. John Paul II to call for his rapid canonization. A banner with this petition was also seen on Thursday, January 5.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
