The Sinn Fein vice president has cut short a family holiday to attend Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome.

The people of Ireland have ‘appreciation’ for the life of the late pontiff, Michael D Higgins has said.

The Hollywood star was recognised with the prize before he presented his new directorial film to the audience.

The biennial contest begins in Rome on Friday

In a shared statement church leaders said the visit is taking place at a time of ‘great concern for the state of our fragile peace’.