You're listening to a special edition of the Global News podcast from the BBC World Service.

I'm Rachel Wright, and in this episode recorded on Saturday the 26th of April,

we are marking the funeral of Pope Francis.

Hallelujah, alleluia, hallelujah.

Hello. The ceremony was attended by leaders and dignitaries from 130 countries.

The funeral was simpler than for previous popes on the wishes of Francis himself, and the cardinal who led the service described how he'd touched the lives of ordinary people.

He gave of himself by comforting and encouraging us with a message capable of reaching people's hearts.

We'll bring you a sense of the ceremony itself

and report on how the event was followed around the world.

The world has been saying goodbye to the 266th Pope.

This is going to the 266th Pope. Despite the wishes of Pope, for the funeral to be simple, the ceremony was spectacular,

with the red and purple garments of the clergy, music and dignitaries from over 130 countries, many of them dressed in their traditional

robes. It was held in St Peter's Square under blue skies and the warm spring sunshine. Here's a

flavour of the Apostles.

In those days, Peter opened his mouth and said,

Truly, I understand that God shows no partiality.

He established direct contact with individuals and peoples,

eager to be close to everyone with a marked attention

to those in difficulty,

giving himself without measure,

especially to the marginalized,

the least among us. Our Correspondent in Rome is Sarah Rainsford.

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