Former Pope Benedict XVI will be buried in the Vatican on Thursday, January 5.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to visit St Peter's Square to join the farewell ceremony.

The Guardian writes about it.

According to the wishes of Benedict himself, his funeral will be "simple", said the head of the press service of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni.

The faithful will pray as Benedict's coffin leaves St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope Francis will lead the funeral mass.

It will begin on St. Peter's Square.

It will be the first time in modern times that a Pope will preside over the funeral of his predecessor.

Photo: Associated Press

Benedict's coffin will then be moved through the basilica to the Vatican crypt for burial in the first tomb of John Paul II.

As The Guardian writes, the remains, which are in a cypress coffin, will be placed in a zinc coffin, and then in another one made of oak.

Benedict will be buried with coins and medals minted during his papacy, the pallium he wore (a piece of clothing - ed.), and a metal cylinder with a rogito, a text describing his papacy.

Photo: Associated Press

It will be recalled that

Pope Benedict XVI

(Joseph Ratzinger), who headed the Catholic Church from 2005 until his resignation in 2013, died on December 31 at the age of 95.

"It is with regret that I inform you that the emeritus Pope Benedict XVI has died at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican. Additional information will be provided in the near future," said the official representative of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni.

Photo: Associated Press

In February 2013, at the age of 85, Pope Benedict XVI resigned, becoming the first head of the Catholic Church in 600 years to voluntarily step down as head of the Vatican.

The pope explained his departure by the fact that his strength is leaving him due to old age.

According to him, he asked God to help him make the right decision.

Read also:

  • The Vatican says goodbye to Benedict XVI: what the former Pope said about Ukraine

  • Christmas message: the Pope urged to remember Ukrainians "in the dark, in the cold, far from their homes"

  • When is the right time to celebrate Christmas: December 25 or January 7