John Hume’s family has asked mourners to refrain from lining the streets of his native city, as his body returns home ahead of his funeral.
Instead, they have asked people to light a “candle for peace” at their homes at 21:00 on Tuesday due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, the Hume family said the “heartfelt and sincere” condolences they had received since announcing his death had been “immensely comforting”.
They said he would leave his home in Moville, County Donegal, on Tuesday evening and return to St Eugene’s Cathedral in Londonderry.
“John loved the people of Derry and Donegal,” they said.
“We know he would have prioritised public health and the safety and health of our communities. We’re asking people to follow that guidance, please do not put yourself or others at risk.
“Instead we would ask that people light a candle for peace at 9pm in their homes or at their door.”
His funeral Mass will take place in the cathedral at 11:30 on Wednesday, and will be streamed live on the BBC News NI website.
