Vatican, 02 January, 2023 / 8:51 pm (ACI Africa).
Benedict XVI will be interred in the Vatican crypt in the same spot where Pope John Paul II was buried before his beatification.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed the site of Benedict’s tomb to journalists on Jan. 2, the first day the pope emeritus’ body was laid in state in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Benedict’s death at age 95 was announced in Rome on Dec. 31.
Benedict XVI’s coffin will be carried to the crypt under the central part of St. Peter’s Basilica for interment after his funeral Mass on Jan. 5.
St. John Paul II’s tomb was in the crypt from the date of his funeral April 8, 2005, until April 29, 2011, when his casket was moved to the upper part of St. Peter’s Basilica a few days before his beatification ceremony.
