Photos: Francis leads Catholics in bidding farewell to ex Pope Benedict

The funeral mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St. Peter's square in the Vatican on January 5, 2023. Pope Benedict XVI's coffin has been resting in the grottoes beneath St. Peter's Basilica. The wooden lid on the outermost coffin is decorated with a simple metal cross, the emblem of his nearly eight-year-long papacy and an inscription in Latin noting that he had lived 95 years, eight months and 15 days when he died on December 31.

Pope Francis, centre, sits as the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI St. Peter's Square is carrying for a funeral mass at the Vatican.

Pallbearers carry the coffin of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the end of the funeral mass at St. Peter's square in the Vatican.

Fathful attend during the funeral mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St. Peter's square in the Vatican.

Pope Francis stands as pallbearers carry the coffin of former Pope Benedict during his funeral, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

A general view during the funeral service of former Pope Benedict in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, January 5, 2023.

A nun wait prior to the funeral mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St. Peter's square in the Vatican.

Officials preparing the casket of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St. Peter's Basilica in The Vatican.

Faithful attend the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. s)

Members of the church chat while waiting for the start of the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

Faithful attend the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.