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Tens of thousands of people are expected to pay their respects to former Pope Benedict XVI-(16th) when his lying in state begins at the Vatican later.
He died on New Year’s Eve at the age of 95, almost a decade after he stood down because of ill health.
Pope Francis will preside over Thursday’s funeral – the first time that a Pope will be buried by his successor.
The Vatican says the service will be simple, solemn and sober.
His body will be displayed for three days in an open casket at St Peter’s Basilica, with people allowed to pay their respects until 7pm each evening.
The funeral will take place in St Peter’s Square, before the Pope Emeritus is laid to rest in the tomb beneath the Basilica. END.