Benedict XVI to receive papal burial

Former Pope Benedict XVI will receive a papal funeral, with some adaptations to acknowledge that he was not a reigning pontiff who left a “sede vacante” or vacant throne


Funeral Mass: Booklet features Caravaggio’s “Deposition”, and includes collect prayer and Prayers of the Faithful

Saint Peter’s Basilica

Great Bell

Balcony


VATICAN GROTTOES 
Benedict to be interred in former tomb of John Paul II, before beatification

St Peter’s tomb in lower level necropolis


PAPAL CASKET
Soldered zinc coffin contains cypress casket wrapped in ribbons

Exterior wood case


Source: Vatican Library
Pictures: Pinacoteca Vaticana, Getty Images 
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