Farewell ceremony for Pope Benedict XVI underway in Vatican

A farewell ceremony for Pope Benedict XVI is taking place in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.

Report informs citing the Italian media that the square will be cordoned off until 14.00.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella arrived to say goodbye to the pontiff.

Pope Benedict XVI died on December 31 at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican at the age of 96.

The German cardinal, theologian Josef Ratzinger ascended the papal throne in 2005 after the death of his predecessor John Paul II, he took the name Benedict XVI.

On February 11, 2013, Benedict XVI announced his decision to abdicate the throne of Saint Peter due to deteriorating health. He received the title of pope in retirement and has since lived in one of the Vatican monasteries.