Pope Benedict XVI will be laid to rest in a “solemn but simple” funeral on Thursday, the Vatican has announced. 

His Holiness died on New Year's Eve at the age of 95, having retired as Pope in 2013 amid poor health. 

Benedict’s body is currently in the small monastery in the Vatican where he spent most of his retirement. 

E818XF The Vatican. 28th Sep, 2014. Pope Benedict XVI - Pope Francis meet the grandfathers of the world - St Peter square, 28 September 2014 Credit: Realy Easy Star/Alamy Live News

On Monday, it will be brought out to St. Peter's Basilica where it will lie in state for three days - allowing the public to pay their own personal tribute between 9am and 7pm. 

In line with Benedict’s wishes, the funeral will not be a grand state affair and state dignitaries are expected only from Italy and his native Germany. 

Afterwards, Benedict will be in the Vatican Grottoes - the final resting place of more than 90 Popes.

Main image: Pope Benedict XVI. Picture by: Alamy.com