Thousands of people have been paying their respects to former Pope Benedict XVI as his body lies in state in the Vatican.
He passed away on New Year’s Eve at the age of 95, almost a decade after he stood down because of his ill health.
Pope Francis will preside over Thursday’s funeral– the first time a Pope will be buried by his successor.
As dawn broke over the Vatican, a queue had already formed at the edge of St Peter’s Square.
On the eve of the first of three days of viewing, Italian security officials had said at least 25,000 to 30,000 people would come on Monday. By the end of the first day’s viewing, 65, 000 people had passed by the bier, the Vatican said.
At the very front was Father Alfredo Elnar, 30 from the Philippines. He said he had studied and admired the theology writings of the former pontiff and spoke of an emptiness since his death.
Pope Benedict XVI became the first Pope to resign in 600 years in 2013, citing ailing health.
The first pontiff to retire in 600 years, Ratzinger became a priest in 1951, was elevated to cardinal in 1977 then became Pope in 2005.
His body will be displayed for three days in an open casket at St Peter’s Basilica, with people given the opportunity to they their respects until 7pm each day.
Public viewing lasts for 10 hours on Monday. Twelve hours of viewing are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday before Thursday morning’s funeral which will be led by Pope Francis.
Following the death of the former Pope early Saturday, tributes have begun pouring in from around the world, with many expressing their condolences and sharing about Benedict’s impact on the Catholic Church.
Source: NBC Chicago, BBC News, AP News, image from Twitter: @VaticanNews