Taoiseach, Tánaiste and President among leaders attending Pope Francis' funeral

Clergy, dignitaries and other pilgrims attend the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square. Photo: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber
The President and Taoiseach are among attendees for the funeral of Pope Francis this morning.
President Michael D Higgins is attending the ceremony for the late pontiff with his wife Sabina Higgins, having also viewed Francis’ remains during his lying in state on Friday.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris are also in attendance alongside ambassador to the Vatican s Collins.
Speaking ahead of the funeral, Mr Martin said: “It is an honour to represent the Government and people of Ireland at the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis, and to reflect on and appreciate the remarkable achievements of his life.
“He had a deep commitment to service.
“He was a voice for the marginalised, the poor, and the migrants.
“He truly lived the Gospel in his actions and in the example he set.
“Pope Francis showed leadership in the church.
“He pursued his vision of a Catholic Church that is open, comionate, and does not shy away from the challenges the world faces.
Mr Harris said: “Since we learned of Pope Francis’ ing on Easter Monday, we have seen widespread appreciation and respect from all corners for his work and his legacy.
“In an uncertain world, the respect, kindness, and care he showed for the most vulnerable is a lesson in comion that all of us can learn from and bring with us.
In an earlier statement, Mr Higgins said: “The world was struck by the generosity given by Pope Francis, right until the very last moments of his life, in of seeking to embrace, as he put it, all of humanity.
“Through his life and his work, Pope Francis led by example in embracing so many of the most important issues facing humanity.”