Thousands flock to Vatican to pay their final respects to Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s body is lying in state as thousands of people lined up across St. Peter’s Square hours before dawn on Monday to pay their respects, Report informs.

On Sunday, the Vatican released the first photos of the body, lying on a catafalque, dressed in red - the colour of papal mourning - and wearing a white mitre adorned with a golden braid, a rosary in his hands. A crucifix, a Christmas tree, and a nativity scene are visible in the background.