Inside the soaring nave of St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, the quiet hush of world leaders paying respects to the late Pope Francis was briefly interrupted by a flurry of activity in a secluded corner near the entrance doors.

Footage of the two leaders approaching the simple red chairs shows that there were originally three chairs together — before one was hastily removed just as they came to sit down. Moments before, Trump had a somewhat awkward encounter with French president Emmanuel Macron.

Pope Francis's funeral will take place on Saturday in St Peter's Square, the Vatican has confirmed, with hundreds of thousands expected to attend.