Agreement termed 'donation' to Orthodox Christian archbishop of Athens rather than transfer of items, but move could add pressure on Britain to repatriate its collection

Francis's remarks are a first for a pontiff, adds bishops should learn to apply 'tenderness' to all Catholics

Comparing Tehran's actions to abortion, pontiff asserts 'both are a violation of the fundamental right to life'; calls for unity after rioters storm Brazil's seats of power

Remains of pope emeritus sealed inside three nested coffins of cypress, zinc, and oak, then lowered into tomb formerly occupied by his predecessor, St. John Paul II

Clergy and lay people converge on the Vatican for extraordinary funeral ceremony for retired pope

Up to 100,000 expected to attend as Pope Francis presides over ceremony for deceased former pontiff; small number of heads of state, royal delegations to attend event

Members of the public will have three days to see former pontiff in St. Peter's Basilica at Vatican before he is moved to tombs below; 'simple' funeral planned

Successor Pope Francis will lead funeral on Thursday in St Peter's Square, before remains are laid to rest in the tombs beneath St Peter's Basilica

Vatican's top envoy calls for priests to hold mass for late former pontiff, who visited holy sites in Israel and the West Bank in 2009

Burial on Thursday morning to be first in modern history where sitting pope leads procession for predecessor