John Hume: Funeral of Nobel laureate under way in Derry

Image copyright Niall Carson Image caption The family of John Hume arrive for his funeral at St Eugene's Cathedral

The funeral of John Hume, one of the key architects of the Northern Ireland peace process, is under way in Londonderry.

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.

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.

Image copyright PA Media Image caption First Minister Arlene Foster is one of the mourners attending the funeral of John Hume

On Tuesday night, many followed that advice as tributes continued to pour in from presidents and prime ministers for the former SDLP leader.

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 is being streamed here on the BBC News NI website and on the BBC iPlayer, while BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme has live special coverage.

Political representatives at the cathedral include 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.

Media captionPoliticians from across the political spectrum pay tribute to John Hume

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 attending.

The Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, is presiding at the Mass.

Derry streets quiet as final mark of respect

At 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.

An occasion to honour a statesman, to remember and to celebrate a peacemaker.

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.

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.

Image copyright Stephen Lattimer Image caption A portrait of John Hume surrounded by candles lit by members of his family and colleagues

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.

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.

He was a founding member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in 1970 and led the party from 1979 until 2001.

Image copyright PA Media Image caption The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins arrives at St Eugene's Cathedral

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".

Image copyright PA Media Image caption John Hume's widow Pat greets mourners ahead of his funeral

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.

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In their words: Former presidents and current prime ministers pay tribute to Mr Hume's illustrious career Fish, finance, football: The lesser-known John Hume Inspiring a generation: Young people explain what John Hume meant to them In pictures: The career of one Northern Ireland's foremost political leaders Analysis: The man who was able to unpick the lock of the Troubles Diplomats recall the late SDLP leader's special connection to the US In depth: Read BBC News NI's obituary of John Hume

The 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.

It will also assist those working for reconciliation and peaceful political change in Ireland and around the world.

Media captionJohn Hume became leader of the SDLP in 1979, a post which he relinquished in November 2001

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.