The funeral of Pope Benedict XVI, in photos

The funeral of Benedict XVI, the pope emeritus who died Saturday at age 95, took place Thursday in St. Peter's Square after three days in which mourners could view his body and pay their last respects.

Benedict had lived inside the Vatican, mostly hidden from public view, since stepping down in 2013, becoming the first pontiff to relinquish the role for six centuries. The eight-year pontificate of Benedict, a highly respected theologian whose papal name derives from one of Europe's patron saints, was beset by scandals that eventually led to his resignation.

His funeral, the first in modern history presided over by a reigning pope, had the solemnity of papal tradition, but lacked some specific prayers to the reigning pontiffs, as well as some readings, and had a looser protocol. Only two official delegations were present, those from Italy and Benedict's native Germany. Other heads of state and monarchs were present.

Here are scenes from the funeral and the three days during which the faithful could see his body in Saint-Pierre.

Thursday

Pope Francis presides over the ceremony.

ImageCredit... Alessandro Grassani for The New York Times< /figure>

Cardinals in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, before the funeral.

ImageCredit...James Hill for The New York Times

A cardinal blessing Benedict's coffin.