VATICAN CITY -- Thousands of the faithful visited St. Peter's Basilica Monday to pay their last respects to former Pope Benedict XVI whose body was laid out after being moved from a chapel at the monastery where the German theologian lived in the Vatican.

 Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were among the first to arrive at the Basilica to salute the emeritus pope on a foggy morning in the Eternal city.

 Benedict's funeral will be held on Thursday, presided over by Pope Francis.