Yesterday was the first day of commemoration in St. Peter's Basilica of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died last Sunday at the age of 95. In addition to the thousands of faithful who came, there is a long list of institutions that - in private form - wanted to give the last greeting to Joseph Ratzinger. The President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and the President of the Council Giorgia Meloni were in the basilica in the morning. At 8.50, even before the opening to the public, Mattarella was in front of the Altar of Confession, in the Vatican Basilica: her daughter Laura accompanied the head of state. Soon after came Meloni, accompanied by Francesco Lollobrigida, brother-in-law and Minister of Agriculture, and the Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council Alfredo Mantovano. For them a few minutes in prayer, on the right side, before leaving room for the large crowd of faithful who waited from 9 in the morning to pay homage to the Pope emeritus.
Foto: Sergey Kozhukhov
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