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John Hume: Mourners gather for funeral of Nobel laureate John Hume: Mourners gather for funeral of Nobel laureate
(32 minutes later)
Mourners are gathering for the funeral of John Hume, one of the key architects of the Northern Ireland peace process, in Londonderry.Mourners are gathering for the funeral of John Hume, one of the key architects of the Northern Ireland peace process, in Londonderry.
The former SDLP leader died on Monday, aged 83, following a long illness.The former SDLP leader died on Monday, aged 83, following a long illness.
His body was returned to his native city on Tuesday night, ahead of a funeral Mass at St Eugene's Cathedral.His body was returned to his native city on Tuesday night, ahead of a funeral Mass at St Eugene's Cathedral.
Mr Hume's family urged mourners wishing to line the streets to respect Covid-19 guidelines on gatherings and light a "candle for peace" at home.Mr Hume's family urged mourners wishing to line the streets to respect Covid-19 guidelines on gatherings and light a "candle for peace" at home.
On Tuesday night, many followed that advice as tributes continued to pour in from presidents and prime ministers for the former SDLP leader.On Tuesday night, many followed that advice as tributes continued to pour in from presidents and prime ministers for the former SDLP leader.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that a candle had been lit in Downing Street, saying it was a "symbol" of the peace that Mr Hume "was so instrumental in securing".
About 100 people - mostly close family and friends - are expected to attend the funeral service, which is due to start at 11:30 BST.About 100 people - mostly close family and friends - are expected to attend the funeral service, which is due to start at 11:30 BST.
It will be streamed here on the BBC News NI website, while BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme will have live special coverage from 11:15. It will be streamed here on the BBC News NI website and on the BBC iPlayer, while BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme will have live special coverage from 11:15.
Political representatives have begun arriving at the cathedral including Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster, Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill, Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin and Irish President Michael D Higgins.
Others in attendance include NI Secretary Brandon Lewis, Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney, current SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, Alliance leader Naomi Long and former Ulster Unionist MEP (Member of the European Parliament), Jim Nicholson.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Simon Byrne is also expected to attend.
The Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, will preside at the Mass and say the final words.The Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, will preside at the Mass and say the final words.
The priest who is due to deliver the funeral homily has echoed the family's call for mourners to pay their respects from home, rather than take part in a mass gathering during the pandemic.
Fr Paul Farren said: "We live in extraordinary times and sadly all those people all over the island of Ireland and beyond cannot attend.
"We ask people at home to pray, to light a candle - we will have a celebration of light and our intention is for peace."
Derry streets quiet as final mark of respectDerry streets quiet as final mark of respect
At the scene: Davy Wilson, BBC News NIAt the scene: Davy Wilson, BBC News NI
In times more ordinary, this would have been a final farewell to draw thousands to Derry's St Eugene's Cathedral.In times more ordinary, this would have been a final farewell to draw thousands to Derry's St Eugene's Cathedral.
An occasion to honour a statesman, to remember and to celebrate a peacemaker.An occasion to honour a statesman, to remember and to celebrate a peacemaker.
John Hume's mark is everywhere in his home city.John Hume's mark is everywhere in his home city.
But, such is the respect bestowed on him in these parts, the streets around the cathedral are largely empty.But, such is the respect bestowed on him in these parts, the streets around the cathedral are largely empty.
Pat Hume, so widely regarded as the great woman behind the great man, had respectfully asked people to stay at home.Pat Hume, so widely regarded as the great woman behind the great man, had respectfully asked people to stay at home.
Those who did come stood outside the cathedral grounds, solemn and in silence.Those who did come stood outside the cathedral grounds, solemn and in silence.
Where in other times you may have expected politicians, prime ministers and presidents, today about 100 mourners will pay their respects and say goodbye.Where in other times you may have expected politicians, prime ministers and presidents, today about 100 mourners will pay their respects and say goodbye.
They come to remember the man who led the way to peace, and remained one of their own; a fierce, dogged advocate for Derry.They come to remember the man who led the way to peace, and remained one of their own; a fierce, dogged advocate for Derry.
This is the place he loved so well, a place where now he will rest in peace.This is the place he loved so well, a place where now he will rest in peace.
One of the highest-profile politicians in Northern Ireland for more than 30 years, Mr Hume helped create the climate that brought an end to the Troubles.One of the highest-profile politicians in Northern Ireland for more than 30 years, Mr Hume helped create the climate that brought an end to the Troubles.
He was a founding member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in 1970 and led the party from 1979 until 2001.He was a founding member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in 1970 and led the party from 1979 until 2001.
Since his death on Monday, tributes have been paid from across the world, reflecting his international reputation.Since his death on Monday, tributes have been paid from across the world, reflecting his international reputation.
Former US President Bill Clinton remembered his persistence and unshakeable commitment to non-violence, while former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was in office when the Good Friday Agreement was signed, described him as "a political titan".Former US President Bill Clinton remembered his persistence and unshakeable commitment to non-violence, while former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was in office when the Good Friday Agreement was signed, described him as "a political titan".
The former Foyle MP and MEP for Northern Ireland, who had dementia and in recent years had lived in a care home in Londonderry, died in the early hours of Monday morning.The former Foyle MP and MEP for Northern Ireland, who had dementia and in recent years had lived in a care home in Londonderry, died in the early hours of Monday morning.
On Wednesday, the national flag will fly at half mast outside Leinster House in Dublin, which houses the Irish parliament.On Wednesday, the national flag will fly at half mast outside Leinster House in Dublin, which houses the Irish parliament.
You may also be interested in:You may also be interested in:
The Hume FoundationThe Hume Foundation
Meanwhile, the BBC understands plans are well advanced for the creation of a John and Pat Hume Foundation.Meanwhile, the BBC understands plans are well advanced for the creation of a John and Pat Hume Foundation.
The aim of the foundation will be to protect the legacy of the former Nobel Peace Prize winner.The aim of the foundation will be to protect the legacy of the former Nobel Peace Prize winner.
It will also assist those working for reconciliation and peaceful political change in Ireland and around the world.It will also assist those working for reconciliation and peaceful political change in Ireland and around the world.
It is understood the Hume Foundation had been due to launch in May, but the plan had to be abandoned as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.It is understood the Hume Foundation had been due to launch in May, but the plan had to be abandoned as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the USA, where Mr Hume commanded immense respect, it is common for former presidents and other senior politicians to create institutes or libraries to continue their work after they leave office.In the USA, where Mr Hume commanded immense respect, it is common for former presidents and other senior politicians to create institutes or libraries to continue their work after they leave office.