According to the Vatican, around 200,000 individuals paid respects to the late Pope Benedict XVI during his three days of laying in state.
Before his funeral on Thursday, his body has been placed into a casket and sealed.
The funeral will be presided over by Pope Francis, marking the first time in more than 220 years that an incumbent Pope has presided over his predecessor’s funeral.
A little more than ten years after stepping down due to illness, the former Pope passed away on New Year’s Eve at the age of 95.
At 9:30 local time, tens of thousands of people are anticipated to attend the funeral at St. Peter’s Square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica (8:30 GMT).
According to the Vatican, the ceremony would be distinguished by simplicity in keeping with Benedict’s request.
Only official delegations from Italy and Benedict’s native Germany will attend because Benedict was no longer a head of state when he passed away.
According to the Catholic news agency, other leaders such as King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Letizia of Spain, as well as the presidents of Poland and Hungary, will attend in an unofficial capacity.
Following his final desires, Pope Emeritus will be buried in the graves under the Basilica, which also houses the resting places of more than 90 other popes.
His remains will be placed in a zinc coffin, which will then be placed in a wooden case, before being buried in the crypt. Along with his body, memorials to his tenure as pope will be arranged.
Portugal has proclaimed a day of national mourning, and all public buildings in Italy will fly their flags at half-staff.
At 11:00 in Germany (10:00 GMT), church bells will ring in remembrance of the former Pope who was born in Germany.
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