Many people have traveled to Vatican City to pay their respects to the Pope.
The bier was draped in gold and Benedict's body was dressed in a bishop's coat of arms. The faithful will be able to pay their respects to the first pope in 600 years by lying in state for two more days.
Pope Francis asked for prayers after Benedict's health was reported to be failing.
The Vatican said that 65,000 people had passed by thebier by the end of the day.
Catholics gather at Vatican City to say goodbye to Benedict.
The basilica doors opened just after 9 a.m. on Monday so the public could pay their respects to the late pontiff.
After waiting in a line that snaked around St. Peter's Square, people went up the center aisle to pass by thebier.
Well-wishers were moved along the basilica's center aisle toward the body by an organist and choir's rendition of "Kyrie Eleison" in the background.
The viewing times were Tuesday and Wednesday.
Will you travel to Rome for the funeral of Benedict?
Benedict, a German theologian, was one of the notables who attended. The Christian unity office was headed by Kasper.
The history of the papacy and Benedict's courage to step aside are important marks on theology and spirituality. Benedict stepped down due to age and health issues.
The far-right leader of Italy visited the basilica to pay his respects. The president of Italy also attended.
Pope Francis will celebrate the funeral Mass of a former pope at St. Peter's Square on Thursday, making him the first pope in history to do so.
In keeping with Benedict's wishes, the funeral will be simple.
How to hold a funeral for Pope Benedict is a daunting challenge for the Vatican.
The Vatican said Benedict wanted his tomb to be in the crypt under St. Peter's Basilica.
Matteo Bruni said that the saint's body was moved upstairs before his beatification.
Each year, USA TODAY looks at the figures we lost.
The first pope was born in Germany in 1927.
Benedict is the first pope since the 1400s to leave office alive.
Benedict left the Vatican for a while after he retired. Benedict left the Vatican as a pope and a cardinal. He asked to be known as Father Benedict and lived out his life at the monastery.
The health of Pope Benedict is getting worse.
The pope wrote a resignation letter if his health declined.
Pope Francis increased the number of people who would choose his successor.
The Associated Press contributed.
The article originally appeared on USA TODAY.
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