Benedict XVI died on Saturday aged 95. He led the Catholic Church for eight years before becoming the first pope in six centuries to step down in 2013.
His successor Pope Francis will lead the funeral on Thursday in the vast St Peter’s Square, before his remains are laid to rest in the tombs beneath St Peter’s Basilica.
His funeral will also break new ground: Papal deaths usually trigger the calling of a conclave of cardinals to elect a successor, but this time Francis remains in post, and will lead proceedings.
The Vatican has yet to release details of the guest list, beyond saying that it will include delegations from Italy and Benedict’s native Germany.
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