The Catholic Church held a funeral on Thursday for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died last week at the age of 95.

Tens of thousands of mourners gathered for a service in Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City.

Pope Francis delivered the homily, becoming the first pope in more than 200 years to preside over the funeral of a predecessor.

He mostly sat because of a knee problem. When pallbearers moved Benedict's coffin back into Saint Peter's Basilica, the pontiff stood with a cane and bowed his head to give a final blessing.

Mourners in the square broke into applause, and some shouted that Benedict should be made a saint.

Benedict was born in Germany and was known as a conservative who opposed contraception and abortion.

He was forced to deal with child abuse scandals involving priests, and the Holy See's financial problems.

Benedict resigned in 2013 due to old age and poor health, making him the first pope in 600 years to step down.