A tribute from Pope Francis has been read out at the funeral of former Bishop Edward Daly.

Hundreds of mourners of all faiths have gathered at St. Eugene's Cathedral in Derry for the funeral.

Bishop Daly came to international attention when he was photographed waving a bloodied handkerchief as he tended to a dying teenager on Bloody Sunday.

President Higgins is among the dignitaries in attendance along with John Hume and Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Juliette Gash reports;

A special message from Pope Francis was read out by Chargé D'Affaires for the papal nunciature, Rev Amaori Medina Blanco;

Special message of condolence from the Holy Father Pope Francis

"The Holy Father was saddened to learn of the death of the Most Reverend Edward Kevin Daly, Bishop Emeritus of Derry, and he sends heartfelt condolences to his family and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese.  Recalling Bishop Daly’s generous and dedicated episcopal ministry in the service of peace and justice, His Holiness joins you in prayerful thanksgiving for his life and in commending his soul to the merciful love of God Our Father.  To all who mourn the late Bishop’s passing, Pope Francis cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of hope and consolation in our Lord Jesus Christ."