Pope Francis funeral updates: Pope Francis laid to rest after historic funeral in front of 250,000

Pope Francis' funeral Mass has ended, and cardinals have filed back into St. Peter's Basilica.

The crowd applauded as white-gloved pallbearers lifted the pope's coffin to bring it back inside the basilica. From there, it will be moved to the popemobile to make its way across Rome to Francis' burial place in St. Mary Major.

The crowd applauded as white-gloved pallbearers lifted Pope Francis' coffin to bring it back inside the basilica.

"They would help him around and help him with visitors and now they're helping him to his final resting place."

The Vatican is now reporting that the number of people present as Francis' funeral nears its end is more than 250,000.

The Vatican earlier released a brief statement reporting a crowd of 200,000.

A litany of saints was sung out during the funeral Mass for Pope Francis, a meditative chant that is part of the traditional rites.

It was followed by a blessing from Eastern rite Catholic churches chanted in Greek by patriarchs and priests. The pages of the New Testament placed atop the coffin fluttered in the wind as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re blessed the coffin with incense and holy water.

As he headed to Rome, reporters aboard Air Force One asked President Trump why he felt it was important to go to Pope Francis' funeral.

"I just thought it was out of respect," he responded.

"You know, I won the Catholic vote," he added. "And I think it's the first time that ever happened where a Republican won the love."

"I won the Catholic vote and 56% of the vote. I don't know why we didn't get more," he said. "I don't know how they got it, but we ... did well with the Catholic vote and my relationship is very good. And so, therefore, you know, I think I think it's appropriate."