Benedict XVI tomb now open to public

Image Vatican Media

Source: Vatican News

The tomb of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in the crypt under St Peter's Basilica, was opened to visitors on Sunday morning, 8 January. The triple coffin made of cypress, zinc and oak, with the body of the Pope emeritus, was buried in the former tomb of Pope St John Paul II, on 5 January following the Requiem Mass presided over by Pope Francis.

Inside Benedict XVI's coffin, the coins and medals minted in the Vatican during his pontificate were placed as well as the palliums he wore and a metal cylinder containing a "deed" of his life and pontificate.

The name of the 265th Successor of Peter is engraved on a white marble slab.