Pope Francis’ coffin is sealed in St Peter’s Basilica as funeral begins in Rome (Photos)

The coffin of Pope Francis was sealed in St Peter’s Basilica as he is being laid to rest this morning.

The three-day viewing period ended at around 7 pm on Friday, signalled by a changing of the guards at the pontiff’s open coffin.

Thousands of people had lined up to see the pope lying in state, and the Vatican had extended the basilica’s opening hours, welcoming visitors to pay their respects throughout the night due to the higher-than-expected turnout.

Today, world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, his predecessor Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Prince of Wales are among attendees at the requiem mass in St Peter’s Square

Others include French President Emmanuel Macron, former US President Joe Biden , and Irish President Michael D Higgins, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Spain’s Queen Letizia .