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"They showed me the most extraordinary things and allowed me to walk along the corridor to the balcony where the new Pope shows himself to the huge crowd in St Peter's Square," he recounts.

On Saturday, politicians and royalty joined thousands of mourners as Pope Francis' funeral was held in St Peter's Square.

From the bright red of the clergy's habits to the muted grey and blue of nuns' veils to the rainbow sun hats worn by pilgrims, all morning St Peter's Square was a riot of colours glistening in the sun.

"It was good to hear that on a day when so many heads of state were on St Peter's Square," a woman called Maria told the BBC.

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.