First images of the mortal remains of Benedict XVI in the Vatican: the message of his vestments

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The Vatican has published the first images of the mortal remains of Benedict XVI, who died this Saturday, December 31, which currently rest in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesia Monastery, which was his home for the last almost 10 years of his life, since he He resigned from the pontificate in 2013.

In the images, the late Benedict XVI can be seen reclining in the monastery chapel, at the foot of an imposing cross and with kneelers for prayer.

Starting this Monday, January 2, the body of Benedict XVI will be exposed in Saint Peter’s Basilica so that the faithful can have “one last meeting with the Pope Emeritus, to greet him and say goodbye,” according to reports the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni. Pope Francis will preside over the funeral of the pope emeritus this Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. in Saint Peter’s Square.

Pontifical vestments and black shoes

Benedict XVI has been dressed in the pontifical vestments of red, which is the color reserved for pontiffs. He wears a solemn red chasuble and a gold-edged miter. Unlike his predecessors, he does not wear the papal pallium, the woolen ribbon with crosses that is worn over his shoulders and symbolizes the power of government in a certain jurisdiction.

Since he abdicated as pontiff, he also does not wear the cruz pastoral, the staff topped with a cross that has a meaning parallel to that of the canopy. Nor is he wearing burgundy shoes, which in papal tradition evoke the blood shed by martyrs following in the footsteps of Christ. In addition, Benedict has an intertwined rosary in his hands.

It is supported by a catafalque covered by a red velvet cloth and supported by two brown cushions. Beside him is a lighted candle. In the last few hours, there was a debate in the Vatican on whether it was appropriate for him to wear the pontifical vestments, or if it was more consistent with his resignation to cover him in purple as is done with bishops.

Pope Francis oversees these decisions. The Vatican norm for the death of pontiffs, the prefect of the Papal Household, Georg Ganswein, also secretary of Benedict XVI, “will not allow photographs of the Supreme Pontiff to be taken if he is not dressed in pontifical habits.”