Polish President Andrzej Duda kneels in prayer beside Benedict XVI

Vatican City: The image of Polish President Andrzej Duda kneeling and praying in front of the body of Benedict XVI is noteworthy. As the body of Benedict XVI was carried from St. Peter’s Square to St. Peter’s Basilica for cremation, Polish President Duda prayed on his knees as the casket approached him.

In keeping with Benedict XVI’s wish that his funeral services be simple, the Vatican invited only the rulers of Italy and Benedict XVI’s native Germany to the funeral services. President Duda, who is also a Catholic, arrived at the Vatican to see the Pope Emeritus for the last time even if he was not officially invited.

He also attended the cremation ceremony along with representatives from other countries. Also notable was the note shared by Duda on his Facebook page expressing his condolences on the demise of Papa Emeritus:

‘Pope Benedict XVI departs for his father’s house. The world has lost one of the greatest theologians of the 20th and 21st centuries and a close associate of Saint John Paul II. The life, works and ministry of Benedict XVI are good guides amid the convoluted and treacherous contemporary ways. Wishing you eternal peace.’