Topline
Tens of thousands of people lined up at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and a stadium in Santos, Brazil, to mourn the deaths of Pope Benedict XVI and soccer legend Pelé, respectively, in a rare day of massive public viewings on opposite sides of the world after the international icons died last week.
A priest prays as the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica on … [+] Monday in Rome.
Key Facts
More than 60,000 people passed through St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday to see the body of the former pope, in the first of three days of public viewing.
In southeastern Brazil, thousands made their way to the midfield of Vila Belmiro Stadium, where Pelé’s casket was placed—FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among those who queued to pay respects to the soccer legend.
Benedict made history in 2013 when he became the first pope to resign since the 1400s.
Pelé was considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, leading Brazil to World Cup wins in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
Both men rose from humble beginnings—Pelé grew up in poverty in Brazil, while Benedict’s family suffered harassment during his youth in Germany due to their opposition to the Nazi government.
A mass for Pelé and his burial are set for Tuesday, while Benedict’s funeral will take place Thursday.
Surprising Fact
Another notable death occurred Friday, when American journalist Barbara Walters died at age 93.
Fans wait in line for two hours to enter Vila Belmiro Stadium to see Brazilian soccer legend Pelé in … [+] Santos, Brazil, on Monday.
People wait in line to view Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lying in state Monday.
Edinho, Pelé son, puts his hand on his father’s forehead Monday.
Nuns and faithful queue inside St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday to pay their respects to the late Pope … [+] Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Fans queue to see and give their last tributes and faerwell to Pelé on Monday.
The body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI liys in state Monday.
Fans honoring Pelé enter Vila Belmiro Stadium on Monday.
Fauthful queue outside St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday to pay their respects to the late Pope … [+] Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Flags remembering Pelé are displayed on the stands as mourners queue inside Vila Belmiro Stadium on … [+] Monday.
The body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lies in state, flanked by Swiss Guards, on Monday.
A flag of Brazil and a flag of Santos are seen on top of the coffin of Brazilian football legend … [+] Pelé during his wake Monday.
Nuns pay their respects to the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Monday.
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Nicholas Reimann