Pope Francis’ funeral live updates: Thousands begin to gather in vast square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica

The First Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles, read in English.

An excerpt is below:

“Peter opened his mouth and said:

‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

‘He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.’”

Then a

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

“Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose.

“Near restful waters he leads me; he revives my soul.”

In keeping with his desire to be a humble man of God, Pope Francis’ tomb is modest but meaningful.

His tomb is made from stone from the north-western Italian region of Liguria, where the pope’s grandparents are from.

It’s understood Pope Francis had planned the particulars of his funeral arrangements, reflected in a simple Latin inscription on his tombstone: “Franciscus”.

Also straying from tradition, the pope will be entombed at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of St Mary Major).

Most of his predecessors are laid to rest in St Peter’s Tomb underneath St Peter’s Basilica, but in a sign of his unwavering devotion to the Virgin Mary, his desire was to be at St Mary Major.

Outside the walls of the Vatican and near the Colosseum, St Mary Major was a favourite of the late pontiff.

Clare Johnson, Professor of Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology at the Australian Catholic University, said the pope often prayed there.

“He was known to go and pray in front of a favoured image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom he had great devotion,” she said.

A rosary will be held in front of St Mary Major on Saturday night local time.

People can start visiting the Pope’s tomb on Sunday morning.

The pallbearers bow as they place the coffin on a temporary riser.

Cardinal Re places a book of the Gospels on top of the coffin, before he walks around the stage with incense.

The introductory rites include the Entrace Antiphon, which begins:

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”

Crowds gather along the road outside of the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore.

More than 220 red-robed cardinals have formed two solemn lines inside the main corridor of the Vatican as Pope Francis’ mortal remains are carried into St Peter’s Square on the shoulders of pallbearers.

The dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, is in front of the leading the procession.

A Vatican choir sings as the Pope is brought out to a packed square.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Première Dame, or First Lady, Brigitte Macron have had their moment with the pope.

They were followed by Prince William, who is attending on behalf of his father King Charles and the British royal family.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also appeared, as has Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The funeral bells at St Peter’s Basilica have begun their toll ahead of official proceedings beginning at Pope Francis’ funeral.

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have entered the Basilica to pay their respects to Pope Francis.

They are among the dozens of dignitaries and religious leaders filing through to have their moment of silent prayer with the pontiff.

Former US President Joe Biden and former US First Lady Jill Biden have arrived at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square.

Seemingly in good spirits, Mr Biden was spotted taking selfies with other attendees.

Scenes in Vatican City as members of the clergy, nuns and pilgrims gather for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square.