Tens of thousands of people are in St Peter's Square in the Vatican for the funeral of ex-Pope Benedict XVI.

The event will be marked by simplicity, in line with what Benedict had asked for, the Vatican says. The Pope Emeritus will be laid to rest in the tombs beneath the Basilica where more than 90 pontiffs are buried - according to his final wishes.

Benedict died on Saturday aged 95 after many years of illness.

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The Mass is led by Pope Francis. According to reports, it is unprecedented in modern times for a living Pope to bury his predecessor.

Pope Francis said: "It is with emotions that we remember a person so noble and so kind, and we feel such gratitude to God for having gifted him to the world and to the church.”

"Gratitude to him for all the good he has accomplished and especially for his witness of faith and Prayer, mostly in the last years of his retired life, Only God knows the value and strength of his intercession of his sacrifice offered for the good of the church,” he said.

Some 70,000 people queued up to pay their respects to the former pope on Tuesday, following 65,000, a day earlier. Around 200,000 people in total are believed to have seen the former Pope's coffin.

Benedict XVI became the first Pope to resign in 600 years, in 2013, when he stepped down citing old age.

For the past three days, Pope Benedict XVI’s body has been lying in state at St Peter’s Basilica. His funeral will be similar to that of a reigning Pope.

Former Pope Benedict’s body has been put in a coffin made of cypress wood and placed on the steps facing St Peter’s Square. The coffin contains vestments symbolising his role as Pope and bishop, along with coins and medals that were minted during his pontificate.

There are official delegations from Italy and from former Pope Benedict’s home country, Germany. Other leaders, including the King and Queen of Belgium, are attending in a private capacity.