Francis paid tribute at the funeral at St. Peter’s Square.

Last weekend, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away at the age of 95 following a bout of worsening health. This week, Benedict’s funeral procession was held, carrying his remains through Vatican City and holding a relatively simple service at St. Peter’s Square.

“It’s difficult to have a simple service in St. Peter’s Square, but I think it was,” Jesuit priest Father James Martin told CNN.

“You have to have some pomp and ceremony for a former pope, but I think within the guidelines of what Pope Emeritus Benedict wanted, it succeeded very well.”

In a departure from the old ways, the funeral service was hosted by the current Pope, Pope Francis, the first pope to preside over his predecessor’s funeral in many years.

“God’s faithful people, gathered here, now accompanies and entrusts to him the life of the one who was their pastor,” Francis said.

“Like the women at the tomb, we too have come with the fragrance of gratitude and the balm of hope, in order to show him once more the love that is undying. We want to do this with the same wisdom, tenderness and devotion that he bestowed upon us over the years. Together, we want to say: ‘Father, into your hands we commend his spirit.’

“Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom, may your joy be complete as you hear his voice, now and forever,” Francis added.

Benedict’s remains have been buried in the first tomb of John Paul II.