Vatican: Farewell Ceremony for Pope Benedict XVI Begins

Today, the farewell ceremonies for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI began at St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, several ministers, and many prominent members of the Catholic Church attended the farewell, gathering in front of St. Peter's Cathedral, which is considered the main church of the Catholic denomination worldwide. The body of Pope Benedict was displayed in front of the Papal Bernini altar in the cathedral. The farewell ceremonies will continue for three days until January 5, after which the funeral will be held, presided over by the current Pope Francis. Benedict XVI will be buried in a crypt beneath the altar of the cathedral, next to his late predecessor, John Paul II.