Grazie Francesco: crowds cheer for 'pope of the people'

As bells tolled and the coffin emerged from the gloom of the basilica, a solemn hush fell across St Peter's Square, but the crowd itched to break it.

- By Rory Carroll ROME

Death had silenced Pope Francis but those who had come to see him off were not going to stifle their love or grief. He had requested a simple burial, not a silent one.

The quiet held while 14 pallbearers placed the wooden casket on the edge of the stairs for the start of the mass and continued while cardinals streamed to one side to form a blazing red bloc. On the other side was an array of dark-suited prime ministers, presidents, kings, queens and other royals.