Pope Francis is to be buried with a touching obituary in which he is described as a "simple and loved shepard". The funeral took place in front of huge crowds at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican this morning. World leaders and dignitaries, including US President Donald Trump and Prince William, were among those paying their respects.
The 266th pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88, had been lying in state inside St Peter’s Basilica since Wednesday. Today, after the funeral Mass, his coffin was taken for burial as thousands gathered to bid farewell. Before the coffin was sealed, a special note was placed inside. It described him as someone who "remained in the heart of the Church and of humanity" and recalled his time in Buenos Aires as a "simple and much-loved shepherd" who travelled by bus and cooked his own meals.
The note closed with the words: "Francis has left everyone a wonderful testimony of humanity, a life of a saint and universal fatherhood."
Unlike previous popes, Pope Francis chose to be buried in a simple coffin rather than the traditional three caskets.
His coffin is lined with zinc and engraved with his name, papal coat of arms, and the dates of his service, 2013 to 2025.
The funeral Mass, which began at 10am local time, was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
It followed traditional Roman Catholic rites, including prayers, readings and the final commendation where the late Pope was formally entrusted to God.
At the end of the service, the coffin was carried from St Peter’s Square through the streets of Rome.
It crossed the Tiber River, passed Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, before reaching the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Pope Francis had requested to be buried there in a private ceremony, making him the first pope in over a century not to be laid to rest at St Peter’s Basilica.
The last pontiff to make a similar request was Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903.
Mourners travelled from around the world to pay tribute, with some camping out overnight to secure a spot at the funeral.
Up to 500,000 people were expected to attend the service and procession.
