Benedict XVI: this was the “sober, but solemn” funeral of the emeritus pope in Rome | PHOTOS

The Pope Francisco He presided over the funeral of his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, before thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Thursday.

Various personalities such as Queen Emeritus Sofía of Spain, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish President Andrzej Duda, among others, were present at the ceremony.

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In his homily, Pope Francis highlighted the work of the German Benedict XVI at the head of the Church since 2005, replacing John Paul II, until 2013 when he resigned.

“Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom, may your joy be perfect in hearing his voice definitively and forever,” the Pope said.

Pope Benedict XVI was the first German pontiff in more than a millennium. (Getty Images).

It was the first time that a high priest had resigned from office in more than 600 years.

Benedict XVI, whose secular name before his election was Joseph Ratzinger, also a prominent theologian and was the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith during the papacy of John Paul II.

Thousands of people came to Saint Peter’s Square to bid farewell to the pope emeritus and some even carried banners calling for his immediate canonization.

Thousands of people came to Saint Peter’s Square to bid farewell to Benedict XVI. (GETTY IMAGES).

The ceremony featured many facts from previous papal funerals. (GETTY IMAGES).

The ceremony featured several cardinals. (Getty Images).

Source: Elcomercio