Tens of thousands of people are expected to pay their respects to former Pope Benedict XVI (16) when his lying in state begins at the Vatican later.
He died on New Year’s Eve at the age of 95, almost a decade after he stood down because of ill health.
Pope Francis will preside over Thursday’s funeral – the first time that a Pope will be buried by his successor.
The Vatican says the service will be simple, solemn and sober.
Benedict the 16th became the first Pope to resign in 600 years in 2013, citing ailing health.
Hi body will be displayed for three days in an open casket at St Peter’s Basilica, with people allowed to pay their respects until 7pm each evening.
The funeral will take place in St Peter’s Square, before the Pope Emeritus is laid to rest in the tombs beneath the Basilica.
The Vatican released pictures of the body on Sunday, dressed in red papal mourning robes and wearing a gold-trimmed mitre.