Paul II

The decision for the heir to the throne to attend a papal funeral is in keeping with modern tradition - after the King, while the Prince of Wales, attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005 on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Not since the death of John Paul II, six days after Easter in 2005, have we seen the traditions and rituals of a church mourning its reigning Pope.

At the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, the then Prince of Wales found himself unexpectedly shaking hands with President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.

It is also very different from the funeral of the last pope to die while still in office - that of John Paul II in 2005.

Half an hour later, at 09:00 local time, patriarchs from the Orthodox church and cardinals will congregate in Saint Sebastian Chapel, inside the basilica, where the remains of Pope John Paul II lie.