'Unity and grief' ahead of Pope's funeral

Catholics in Rome have spoken of a sense of "unity and grief" ahead of the Pope's funeral.

A group from Nottinghamshire recently travelled to Rome for the canonisation of Carlo Acutis on 27 April, which was suspended following the death of Pope Francis.

On Friday, thousands of mourners slowly filed past the Pope's coffin, which will sit in front of the Papal Altar until his funeral on Saturday

Lucy Harhill, Sister of St Joseph's Church in West Bridgford, said: "There is a real sense of unity and we are all grieving the loss of Pope Francis."

Travelling alongside Sister Harhill, is Issie Mcelhone, from the Nottingham Diocese Catholic Youth Service, Michael Furey, a trainee priest in the Nottingham Diocese and The Reverend John Martin, a priest in the diocese.

Ms Mcelhone said: "When we found out Pope Francis had died, we thought it was really important to come and pay our respects to him, especially after all the work he has done for young people and young Catholics."

Mr Furey said there is a "prayerful environment" all across Rome.

"Plenty of people are still praying for the canonisation of Carlo Acutis and other people are praying whilst we wait for the new Pope," he added.

"The atmosphere is also one of joy, anticipation and sorrow as lots of people will now have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the funeral of a Pope."

Reverend Martin said thousands of mourners have been queuing to say a final goodbye before the service on Saturday.

"There is a sense of mourning for the loss of our incredible father Pope Francis, but also joy which sums up the feeling around the place," he added.

The funeral of Pope Francis is due to take place at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST).

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