Vatican readies Benedict funeral 'roughly similar' to past popes' masses, as faithful flock to Vatican

ROME and LONDON -- Pope Francis is expected on Thursday to pay homage to his friend and retired predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, by giving a eulogy during his funeral mass at the Vatican, an unprecedented event in the modern Catholic Church.

Benedict, who died on Saturday at the age of 95, stunned worshipers in 2013 when he became the first pope to resign in more than 600 years. His funeral will mark the first time a supreme pontiff presides over the previous pope's funeral, according to church scholars.

The funeral, which is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. local time, will be "roughly similar" to those held for pontiffs who've died while still leading the church, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni told reporters on Wednesday.

"The missing elements are those most pertinent to a reigning pontiff," Bruni said, "such as the final supplications, the supplication of the diocese of Rome and the Eastern Churches that are very specific to a sitting pope."

Heads of state and Catholic dignitaries are expected to attend, although the church has offered official invitations to only Italian and German officials. The Vatican advised foreign embassies that any other leaders who wish to attend could do so, but only in their "private capacity."

The United States will be represented by Joseph Donnelly, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, in keeping "with the wishes of both the Vatican, and Pope Emeritus for a simple, solemn funeral," officials said.

Benedict, who was born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany in 1927, had been elevated to pope when he was 78 in 2005. He retired eight years later, citing declining Health.

Thousands of worshipers have flocked this week to St. Peter's Basilica, where the retired pontiff's remains have lied in state in red vestments. Members of the Swiss Guard have flanked Benedict, standing just outside the red velvet ropes surrounding his remains.

A constant stream of mourners has poured into the church. Many have lined up for hours to pay their last respects. More than 65,000 people were said to have filed into the Basilica on Monday alone.

The bells at St. Peter's Basilica have not rung since Saturday, the day Benedict died, Vatican officials confirmed. Death tolls are usually rung for the death of a sitting pope.

Benedict's remains will be placed on Wednesday in a triple coffin -- lined with cypress, zinc and wood -- and brought the following morning at about 8:50 a.m. into St. Peter's Square, where the funeral is to be held.

Francis in the days before and after Benedict's death asked the church's followers to pray for him. The two popes were reportedly friendly following Benedict's resignation.

A Vatican press office official told reporters on Sunday that Francis was "the first" to arrive on Saturday at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, where Benedict lived within the Vatican walls, after receiving the news of Benedict's death. Bruni said that the pontiff then stayed at the monastery for a time of prayer.

Francis on New Year's Day asked followers to invoke "the intercession of Mary Most Holy for Pope emeritus Benedict XVI."

The pontiff added, "Let us all join together, with one heart and one soul, in thanking God for the gift of this faithful servant of the Gospel and of the Church."

Benedict's remains will be buried immediately after Thursday's funeral, Vatican officials said.

"In addition," Bruni said, "the coffin will also contain the "rogito," a written text that describes the Pontificate that is placed in a metal cylinder inside the coffin.

He will be interred in St. Peter's Crypt, where more than 90 popes have found their final resting place.