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While waiting for the funeral of Benedict XVI, the last tributes of the faithful

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The remains of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, at the Vatican, this Wednesday, January 4, 2023. AP - Alessandra Tarantino

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Like thousands of people, again this Wednesday, January 4, Francis paid tribute in the morning to his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died last Saturday.

In St. Peter's Square, Rome, visits are now over in the basilica, pending the funeral this Thursday morning at the Vatican.

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With our special correspondent in Rome,

For three days, tens of thousands of people came to pray in front of the remains of Pope Benedict XVI, born under the name of Joseph Ratzinger, in 1927, in Germany, and died on December 31 at the age of 95.

The security checks, worthy of an airport and installed under the colonnade of Bernini, are now closed, and the queue, which led to the entrance of the basilica in recent days, has now dried up.

But all day Wednesday, again, a measured flow of faithful came to pay their last respects to the pope emeritus, after having waited in Saint Peter's Square and then under the gold of the basilica of the same name.

Visitors and faithful were thus able to see the remains of the late Holy Father, displayed under the dome of Saint-Pierre and flanked by two Swiss Guards in their ceremonial uniforms.

To see is the word, because to allow all those who wished to say goodbye to the former head of the Catholic Church of Rome, the faithful were invited not to stop.

Just enough time for some to make a sign of the cross, and for others to take a picture at the level of Benedict XVI, before leaving, passing in front of the Christmas crib.

Police officers positioned in Saint Peter's Square, at the Vatican, this Wednesday, January 4, 2023, on the eve of the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

AFP - FILIPPO MONTEFORTE

“It was close to my heart”

A fleeting tribute, then.

But for some worshipers, it was nevertheless important to come to this procession.

One of them, Michèle, confided to us at the exit of her emotion, her eyes somewhat misty.

Even if Benedict XVI was not, let's say, the most illustrious papal figure, the pope is the pope.

Further on, on a bench in the avenue leading to Saint-Pierre square, Giuseppe is recovering from this visit, a little sacrifice that is not very reasonable given his back problems, but which he wanted to accomplish.

For Pope John Paul II, I had not been able to come and I had regretted it, so it was important to me to come.

I felt tranquility and recited a prayer.

Emmanuela and Veronica came from Le Marche (eastern Italy) to say goodbye to Benoît.

A great personality, a great pope, for the first time.

But both mother and daughter regret not having been able to gather more.

The moment was so short that it was not possible to feel much or take the time to think.

While some came for the occasion, others happened to be passing through.

Many holidaymakers took a selfie on the square, where a huge Christmas tree sparkles.

Visits to pay homage to the late pope emeritus are now over at the Vatican.

The funeral of Benedict XVI will be celebrated Thursday morning, still in Saint Peter's Square, by his successor Pope Francis.

►To learn more: All our articles dedicated to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

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