Pope marks New Yr as Vatican prepares to mourn Benedict

Pope Francis prayed for his predecessor’s passage to heaven as he presided over a particular New Yr’s Day Mass Sunday in St. Peter’s Basilica, a day after Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died in retirement on the Vatican.

The large basilica will host Benedict’s coffin beginning on Monday. 1000’s of trustworthy are anticipated to file by the coffin on the primary of three days of viewing.

Benedict, 95, died Saturday morning within the Vatican the place he had lived since retirement. He was the first pope in centuries to resign, citing his growing frailty.

On Sunday, Benedict’s physique lay on a burgundy-colored bier within the chapel of the monastery. He was wearing a miter, the headgear of a bishop, and a crimson cloak-like vestment. A rosary was positioned in his hand. Behind him — seen in pictures launched by the Vatican — was the chapel’s altar, and a embellished Christmas tree.

Francis seemed weary and sat together with his head bowed as Mass started on the primary day of the 12 months, an event the Catholic church dedicates to the theme of peace.

He departed briefly from studying his homily, with its emphasis on hope and peace, to hope aloud for Benedict.

“At present we entrust to our Blessed Mom our beloved Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in order that she might accompany him in his passage from this world to God,” he stated.

Later, Francis delivered extra remarks concerning the retired pontiff when he provided New Yr’s greetings to 1000’s gathered in St. Peter’s Sq.

Referring to Mary, Francis stated that “in these hours, we invoke her intercession, specifically for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who, yesterday morning, left this world.”

“Allow us to unite all collectively, with one coronary heart and one soul, in giving due to God for the reward of this trustworthy servant of the Gospel and of the church,″ stated Francis, talking from a window of the Apostolic Palace to pilgrims and vacationers beneath.

The sq. would be the setting for Benedict’s funeral led by Francis on Thursday morning. That ceremony can be a easy one, the Vatican has stated, in line with the desires of Benedict, who for many years as a German cardinal had served because the Church’s guardian of doctrinal orthodoxy earlier than he was elected pope in 2005.

Within the final years, Francis has hailed Benedict’s gorgeous determination to turn into the primary pope to resign in 600 years and has made clear he’d take into account such a step as an choice for himself.

Hobbled by knee ache, Francis, 86, on Sunday arrived within the basilica in a wheelchair, earlier than taking his place in a chair for the Mass, which was being celebrated by the Vatican’s secretary of state.

Francis, who has repeatedly decried the battle in Ukraine and its devastation, recalled those that are victims of battle, passing the year-end holidays in darkness, chilly and worry.

“Originally of this 12 months, we want hope, simply because the Earth wants rain,” Francis stated in his homily.

When addressing the trustworthy in St. Peter’s Sq., Francis cited the “insupportable” battle in Ukraine, which started in February of final 12 months with Russia’s assaults and invasion, and in different places on this planet.

But, Francis stated, “allow us to not lose hope” that peace will prevail. “In the whole world, in all peoples, a cry is rising, ‘no to battle, no to re-armament’ however (might) the sources go to improvement, well being, meals, schooling, work.”