Time lapse of sunrise over St. Peter's Basilica

Tens of thousands of mourners were expected to enter St. Peter's Basilica on Tuesday to pay their respects to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who died on Saturday.

On the eve of the first of three days of viewing, Italian security officials had said at least 25,000-30,000 people would come on Monday. But by the end of the first day’s viewing, some 65,000 people had passed by the bier, the Vatican said. Just after 7am on Tuesday, two hours earlier than the day before, the doors of the basilica were swung open to welcome the public, some of whom had waited for hours.