Pope Benedict funeral: Francis compares predecessor to Jesus, mourners call for him to be made Saint

Pope Francis led mourners on Thursday in the funeral for his predecessor Pope Benedict, with the current pontiff comparing the former to Jesus, including in paraphrases of biblical references, such as the congregation "commending our brother into the hands of the Father."

Thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square as Benedict's coffin was transferred from the basilica for the funeral. Francis sat most of the service due to a knee ailment, rising at the end however as his coffin was carried away to bow his head in silent prayer.

"It's a beautiful celebration and I think it represents a lot about his life and what he expected," said Enrique Macari, a Brazilian mourner who joined others for the funeral.

At the end of the funeral, some people shouted "Santo Subito," translated to "make him a Saint now!" It was the same phrase used at the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.


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