Pope laid to rest at favourite church after thousands lined streets to say goodbye & world leaders paid final respects
THE Pope has been laid to rest in a private ceremony after an historic funeral service and procession through the streets.
Hundreds of thousands of people including world leaders descended on The Vatican to bid farewell to Francis and remember his life of selfless service.
He was buried at his favourite church, Santa Maria Maggiore, in a chamber sealed off to the public.
Francis requested to be laid to rest in a simple tomb in the ground, inscribed only with "Franciscus".
The coffin was transported to the church on the Popemobile - the high-security vehicle he used for public outings - which had been adapted.
Those who attended the morning service include Prince William, President Trump, Ukraine's President Zelensky and France's President Emmanuel Macron.
Zelensky was greeted by a ripple of applause as he took his seat in the square, with the crowds expressing their support for Ukraine.
The leaders had the opportunity to pay their final respects to Francis as he lay in state in St Peter's Basilica, with a private moment each.
Trump and Zelensky met before the service and had a "very productive discussion", according to The White House.
Zelensky later said the "short "very symbolic" conversation has "the potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results".
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It was their first meeting since the sensational Oval Office clash in February that derailed peace negotiations.
Francis's coffin was previously sealed in a private ceremony after three days of public viewing, which saw around 250,000 faithfuls pay tribute to the late pontiff.
It was then carried into St Peter's square for the service, which began at 9am, which involved a series of services and hymns.
The homily part of the service was led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, 91-year-old Giovanni Battista Re.
Italy has spent millions on a ring of steel security operation to protect the huge crowds and dignitaries.
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In pictures: Starmer-Zelensky meeting
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Credit: Alamy Starmer and Zelensky discuss next steps for peace in Ukraine
Sir Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to “maintain momentum and continue working intensively” to secure peace in Ukraine.
The two leaders met in Rome on Saturday after the Pope’s funeral.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister met President Zelensky in Rome this afternoon.
“They discussed positive progress made in recent days to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
“They agreed to maintain momentum and continue working intensively with international partners to drive forward the next stages of planning.”
Earlier that day, Zelensky had met with Donald Trump inside St Peter’s Basilica before the funeral began.
Zelensky said it was a "very symbolic meeting", as members of the clergy hailed it as "Pope Francis’ miracle".
The Vatican announces its nine days of mourning schedule
Traditionally, the death of a pope is followed by nine days of mourning, known as the Novemdiales.
Eight Masses will be held in the coming days to honour Pope Francis, with different groups across the Catholic Church gathering before the conclave.
Day 1: Today, the pope's funeral took place.
Day 2: On Sunday morning, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, will lead a Mass for the Vatican City’s employees and faithful in St Peter’s Square.
Day 3: On Monday evening, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, will oversee Mass for the Church of Rome at St Peter’s Basilica.
Day 4: On Tuesday evening, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St Peter’s Basilica, will oversee Mass for the Chapters of the Papal Basilicas.
Day 5: On Wednesday evening, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals, will oversee a Mass for the Papal Chapel.
Day 6: On Thursday evening, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will lead Mass for the Roman Curia.
Day 7: On Friday evening, Mass for the Eastern Churches will be held, overseen by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
Day 8: On Saturday evening, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, will preside over Mass.
Day 9: On Sunday evening, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, will lead the Mass with the Papal Chapel group.
Pope Francis' successor?
Following the death of Pope Francis on the morning of Easter Monday, attention turns to the question of his successor.
Francis led the Catholic church for 12 years, right up until his death at 88 - as is tradition.
After the nine days of mourning have been observed, the papal conclave will begin in order to select a successor.
Trump doubts Putin wants peace
Donald Trump has expressed his skepticism over a peace deal in Ukraine just days after Putin's "constructive talks" with US.
He doubted Vladimir Putin's intentions to end the war following following the barbaric attack on Ukraine which killed 12.
The US president said on Truth Social: "There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days.
"It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through 'Banking' or 'Secondary Sanctions?
"Too many people are dying!!!'"
Trump and Zelensky were pictured meeting for the first time since their historic White House spat just before Pope Francis' final farewell.
Macron: "Very positive exchange today"
French president Emmanuel Macron had a brief "tête-à-tête" with Volodymyr Zelensky under a parasol at a garden table shortly after the funeral.
The French leader said the pair had a "very positive exchange" about the future of Ukraine.
He posted on X: "Ending the war in Ukraine is the goal we share with President Trump.
"Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire. President Zelensky reiterated this to me today. He wants to work alongside the Americans and Europeans to implement it.
"Now it's up to President Putin to prove that he really wants peace.
"We will continue our work within the framework of the coalition of the willing launched in Paris last March, to achieve both this ceasefire and a complete and lasting peace in Ukraine."
What happens next?
After the funeral and the completion of the novemdiales, the College of Cardinals — those under 80 years old — will gather in Rome for the conclave, the secretive process to elect a new pope.
The cardinals are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, where they take oaths of secrecy and independence from outside influence.
Voting is conducted in a series of secret ballots — black smoke from the chapel’s chimney signals an inconclusive vote, while white smoke announces the election of a new pope.
The conclave continues until a two-thirds majority is reached, at which point the new pope is asked if he accepts the role and, if so, what name he will take.
The announcement “Habemus Papam!” — “We have a pope!” — is then made to the world, marking the end of the interregnum and the beginning of a new papacy.
Although the cardinals have not yet confirmed a date, the conclave usually occurs 15 to 20 days following the pope's passing. That suggests that a date after May 6th is probably in the cards.
Official mourning begins
Today marks the first day of Novemdiales, a nine-day period of grief during which Pope Francis will be remembered with a mass every day.
Although anybody is welcome to partake in these Eucharistic celebrations, a different group is chosen to join each day according to their relationship with the Holy Father.
Masses are expected to take place at 5pm local time every day at St Peter's Basilica, with the exception of Sunday mass starting at 10.30am local time.
Over 400,000 turned up in Vatican
At least 400,000 have turned up for Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican, according to Italian officials.
Italy's interior minister Matteo Piantedosi said: "We estimate not fewer than 400,000 people between those present in St Peter's Square and those along the route."
Watch: Moment Zelensky and Trump sit down to talk
Moment Trump and Zelensky meet at the Vatican during Pope Francis' funeralPope Francis has been buried
Pope Francis has just been buried, the Vatican has announced.
A closed ceremony in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore took roughly half an hour, it added.
The statement read: "The [burial] rite took place according to the prescriptions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, presided over by the Cardinal Camerlengo, in the presence of those indicated in the relevant Notification of the Office of Liturgical Celebrations and the relatives of the deceased Pope, and concluded at 1.30pm (12.30pm UK time)."
Trump-Zelensky meeting dubbed 'Pope's miracle'
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky in St Peter's Basilica has been hailed "Pope Francis's miracle" by members of the clergy.
Professor Father Francesco Giordano told "It was very a moving experience.
"It was also moving to see what they are now calling 'Pope Francis's miracle' with Trump and Zelenskyy meeting, there's so many things that happened today - it was just overwhelming."
As Trump leaves Rome, Zelensky stays for meetings
Zelensky has been pictured sitting with France's Macron under a parasol at a garden table after the Ukrainian leader hailed his meeting with Donald Trump at the Pope's funeral as "very symbolic".
Ukraine's foreign minister Andrii Sybiha describes it as a "tête-à-tête about further peace efforts" with the French leader.
He has also been pictured conversing with Sir Keir Starmer in the Vatican.
Zelensky will then meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before heading home.
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Credit: X Catholics around the world watch the funeral
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IrelandCredit: Reuters Archbishop of York prays for peace
Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, said it would be "extraordinary" if the meeting between Trump and Zelensky could advance negotiations.
Speaking to Sky News after the service and procession, he said he hoped the leaders were "building bridges for peace".
He said: "You have to make peace, which is harder than loving it. That requires a commitment of will and purpose.
"The whole world has a lot to learn from Pope Francis."
Final pictures of the Pope before he is laid to rest
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Credit: Reuters Zelensky hails 'very symbolic' meeting with Trump
Donald Trump and Melania board Air Force One as they leave Rome
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Credit: AP Zelensky pays tributes to Pope Francis after leaving funeral
Who is protecting the coffin?
The Pope's coffin is being closely monitored by the Vatican's own military known as the Swiss Guards.
They are easily spotted due to their unique and brightly coloured reconnaissance uniforms and weaponry.
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Credit: Reuters Aerial shots of funeral
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Coffin passes Colosseum
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Credit: AP Coffin being handed over to pallbearers after journey through the streets
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Credit: Sky News White roses being handed out to crowds
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Credit: AP Huge crowds gather to say a final goodbye
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