Pope Francis presided over the funeral - the first time a sitting Pope has led his predecessor's funeral in over 200 years, according to the Vatican.

Pope Benedict XVI funeral: Pope Francis leads farewell to ex-pontiff at Vatican

Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on April 19, 2005, soon after his election.

Hundreds had travelled from the former Pope's home state in Germany.

The sound of Bavarian drumming fills the air ahead of Pope's funeral

Katie Andrews has your headlines in Northern Ireland on Wednesday 4 January

Watch: Thursday's Northern Ireland news headlines

The former Pope will be laid to rest on Thursday in the heart of the Church to which he devoted his whole life.

Pope Benedict XVI funeral: Another moment in history for the ancient institution

People wait in a line to enter Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican where late Pope Benedict 16 is being laid in state at The Vatican, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Benedict XVI, the German theologian who will be remembered as the first pope in 600 years to resign, has died, the Vatican announced Saturday. He was 95. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Italian security officials had said at least 25,000-30,000 people would come on Monday, but by the end of the day, more than 65,000 attended.

More than 60,000 people see first day of Pope Benedict XVI lying in state

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who will be remembered as first pope in 600 years to resign, has died aged 95.

King Charles expresses ‘deep sadness’ after death of former Pope Benedict

Michael D Higgins led Irish tributes to the former pontiff after Benedict’s death on Saturday.

Church and political leaders pay tribute to Pope Benedict XVI

Today Catholics across the world say goodbye to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who has died aged 95 following a prolonged period of poor health. 

Benedict XVI: The first pontiff to resign in 600 years

A statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Pope Francis asked for continued prayers 'to accompany him in these difficult hours.'

Pope Benedict XVI is conscious and stable but condition is serious, Vatican says

Pope Francis didn't elaborate on the condition of Benedict XVI, 95, who resigned as pontiff in February 2013, becoming the first pope to retire in 600 years.

Pope asks for special prayers for 'very sick' predecessor Benedict XVI

Benedict pledged his obedience to Pope Francis in 2013, but has sided against him over whether married men can become priests.

Pope Benedict XVI makes rare statement on priest celibacy debate

Pope Benedict already has 1.2 billion followers around the world as leader of the Catholic Church and soon he will get some more on Twitter.

Pope Benedict

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