Huge crowds of the Catholic faithful are gathering for a final farewell to their much-loved leader Pope Francis, alongside a host of world leaders and dignitaries. Vast numbers are expected in Vatican City for the 88-year-old’s funeral on Saturday,

Presidents, prime ministers and cardinals have gathered for the funeral of Pope Francis as huge crowds descended upon Vatican City. The Catholic faithful are bidding a final farewell to a religious leader dubbed the “people’s pope”,

Francis did away with that sort of viewing. Instead, a procession brought his coffin on Wednesday directly to St. Peter’s Basilica, where a public viewing is taking place. Francis’ body, dressed in papal vestments, his head covered with a white bishop’s miter, is lying in state to allow tens of thousands of mourners to bid farewell.