Pope Francis was buried after a funeral ceremony attended by hundreds of thousands of people and many heads of state in Rome.
The first South American pontiff passed away, aged 88, marking the end of a 12-year pontificate. Many of the streets around St Peter's Basilica were closed, as more than a hundred foreign dignitaries were expected to join the funeral mass.
Many had been called in from all sides of Italy to be in Rome today - resulting in a rather joyous blend of accents from across the country, from the Sicilian to the Milanese. As heads of state and foreign dignitaries took their places in the altar, photos showed that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, had all met in the Vatican.
With hymns playing out on giant speakers and sung in Latin, the voice of 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re rang loud and clear as he presided over the mass. Outside St Peter's, there was loud applause when the Pope's simple wooden coffin was brought out.
The crowd's applause marked some other salient moments - such as when Cardinal Re, as part of his homily, remembered the Pope's commitment to migrants and peace. "War, he said, results in the death of people and the destruction of homes, hospitals and schools,” he said.
“War always leaves the world worse than it was before: it is always a painful and tragic defeat for everyone." The cardinal emphasised that Pope Francis had repeatedly urged the world to "build bridges, not walls".
During communion, a procession of white-clad priests made its way down St Peter's Square, carrying golden chalices full of wafers for communion, as many in the large crowd moved forward to receive the hosts. Soon after, Cardinal Re blessed the Pope's coffin with holy water, before burning incense in a thurible - a symbol of cleansing - and the basilica's bells tolled three times after the blessing of the coffin was carried out.
After some brief mingling, world leaders started making their way out of the basilica. Their motorcades then filed out of the Vatican.
The Pope's coffin was carried through Rome in a slow procession to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial.
Authorities said 140,000 people lined the streets, clapping and waving as the hearse – a repurposed white popemobile – crossed the Tiber River. Once the coffin reached Santa Maria Maggiore, it was taken inside and the live broadcast ceased.
Pope Francis was buried in the righthand side of the church, near a beloved icon of the Virgin Mary. Officials said the day had unfolded without any major incidents.
"Four hundred thousand people shared a historic and emotional moment, and thanks to everyone's commitment the day took place in a solemn and serene way, without critical issues," said the head of the Civil Protection, Fabio Ciciliano.
A date has not yet been set but it is thought it could start as early as 5 or 6 May, after the Novemdiales - the mandatory nine days of mourning - are over. With 135 cardinals set to attend, it will be the largest conclave in modern history and one of the most unpredictable.
After South America, is it time for an African or Asian pope?
