Photos Of Late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Laying In St Peter's Basilica

The doors to St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican have been opened to allow thousands of people to pay their respects to the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on New Year's Eve at the age of 95.

Body of former pope Benedict XVI lying in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican, released by Vatican Media.

Like previous popes, he is dressed in red vestments with a gold-edged mitre on his head, his clasped hands holding a rosary.

The Vatican has released pictures of the late Pope Benedict XVI lying in state in the monastery where he lived - hours before thousands of people are set to pay their respects. The late Pope, who died on Saturday aged 95, is lying in state in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, Vatican City. He is seen wearing red liturgical vestments and has a miter on his head while holding a rosary in his hands. The pictures also show the late Pope wearing the shoes instead of the sandals he had chosen as his favourite footwear since he became Pope Emeritus.

Until early tomorrow morning, Benedict's body will remain in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in Vatican City. No officials visits to see his body, or public prayers, have so far been held.

On Monday morning, his body will be moved to St. Peter's Basilica, where thousands of well-wishers are expected to view his body.This will take place from 9am until 7pm local time on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Content created and supplied by: Professor1 (via Opera News )