Before Pope Francis presided over the funeral Mass for his predecessor, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, Vatican pallbearers solemnly brought out the simple wooden coffin.
As they entered the Square, the thousands gathered welcomed the Pope emeritus with applause.
Once the coffin was placed in front of the altar, Archbishop Georg Gänswein placed a book of the Gospels on it. He then kissed the coffin as a final farewell.
KG
