Mourners from all over the country, including the inner islands, gathered to pay their last respects to President René at a public interfaith service held at Stad Popiler this afternoon.

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Victoria from State House to Stad Popiler to view the cortège and pay tribute to the country’s longest-serving President.

The casket was received at Stad Popiler by Vice-President Vincent Meriton, members of the Cabinet and President René’s family. President René lay in state from 0930 to 1400 for public viewing, where flowers and other offerings were brought by members of the public.

At 1430, an interfaith service was held at Stad Popiler, led by representatives from various faiths, including Christian churches, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and the Bahá’í Faith. Tribute was paid to President René by family and friends, and the service included performances from various artists.

The blessing of the body was done by Bishop Denis Wiehe. Following the service, the cortège proceeded to Mont Fleuri cemetery for a burial ceremony where former President France Albert René was laid to rest.

For the full photo gallery, please visit the State House Page on Facebook.