The funeral of former pope Benedict XVI was led by incumbent Pope Francis as millions of people joined in St Peter’s Square.
(Photograph:AFP)
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI died of illness at the age of 95. He was the first pontiff to resign from his position in over six centuries and in the last decade, he was living in a convent inside the Vatican City complex.
(Photograph:AFP)
The ceremony
At the end of the service, Francis made the sign of the cross over Benedict's simple cypress wood coffin and bowed his head, before pallbearers carried it into St Peter's Basilica. (Text: AFP)
(Photograph:AFP)
Major attendees
Hong Kong cardinal Joseph Zen, the 90-year-old who is considered to be the most senior Catholic figure in Asia, attended the funeral after being granted permission by a court to travel following his arrest last year.
(Photograph:AFP)
Benedict's legacy
Pope Benedict XVI's tenure was filled with controversies regarding the sexual abuse allegations. Benedict apologised following the accusations and even met the victims personally.
