The Vatican is grieving the first head of the Catholic Church from the Americas and Saturday marks the beginning of the Novendiales, nine days of mourning. It also marks the fifth day of national mourning in Italy.

A funeral steeped in centuries-old tradition is set to take place today as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is farewelled. Between 200,000 and 500,000 people are predicted to descend on St Peter’s Square in Vatican City to pay their respects to the pontiff,

Pope Francis said that for his spiritual message to be credible, the Vatican’s finances had to be credible as well.