Thousands pour into St Peter’s for funeral of Benedict XVI

Police estimated some 100,000 would attend, higher than an original estimate of 60,000, Italian media reported, citing police security plans

Faithful attend the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Janury 5. Picture: AP Photo/Ben Curtis

Mourners poured into St Peter’s Square early on Thursday for the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

They hoped to pay final respects to the German theologian who made history by retiring and participate in a rare requiem Mass for a dead pope presided over by a living one.