'Humble' Pope Francis buried after funeral watched by hundreds of thousands

Pope Francis sealed coffin.
Pope Francis' sealed coffin. (Photo: Vatican Media)

Thousands of people crowded into St Peter's Square on Saturday morning for the funeral of Pope Francis. 

World leaders attending the funeral included US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.  

About 250 cardinals, as well other clergy, and religious brothers and sisters also attended the funeral Mass in St Peter's Square. 

According to Vatican estimates, around 200,000 crowded into the square and surrounding areas to be a part of the occasion. 

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday of a stroke and heart failure. He had been weakened in his final months after battling double pneumonia, for which he was hospitalised for several weeks in February. 

In the days leading up to his funeral, thousands processed passed his open coffin in St Peter's Basilica to pay their respects. 

The crowds cheered as it was carried through St Peter's Square for his funeral. 

Pope Francis has been remembered as "humble" and "a Pope of the people" by the interim head of the Church of England, Stephen Cottrell. 

"He was a great Pope. But first and foremost, he was a follower of Jesus," he wrote in The Telegraph

He continued, "The whole world has been touched by his life and ministry. The whole world mourns his passing. The whole world would do well to follow his example."

In line with his wishes, the Pope will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major, the first pontiff to be buried there in 350 years.

The day had its political moments too as Trump and Zelensky had a 15-minute meeting inside St Peter's Basilica ahead of the funeral. And there was applause from the crowds when Zelensky arrived in St Peter's Square. 

News
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians. 

Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment

The first openly gay Archbishop of Wales says her appointment has caused some people to leave the Church in Wales.