The removal of the remains of the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Luciano Storero, was attended last night by the President, Mrs McAleese, and the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.
Dr Storero (74) died at the weekend in Dublin after a long illness.
The nuncio's funeral Mass will be held at noon today in the ProCathedral in Dublin before his remains are flown back to his native village, outside Turin in Italy.
At last night's removal to the Pro-Cathedral, the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, described Dr Storero as "a distinguished and loyal servant of the church who used his great gifts of intelligence and wisdom in total loyalty to the missions on which he was sent".
Dr O'Connell said Dr Storero was "first and before all a priest of exemplary life, imbued with Christ-like ideals of service.
"Even in the weakness of his grave illness he continued his work regardless of strain and discomfort. He was friendly, compassionate and always approach able."
Last night's removal was also attended by Archbishop Vigano, who represented Pope John Paul.
Concelebrants of today's funeral Mass will include Dr Connell; the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady; the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Dr Dermot Clifford; and the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary.
The Mass will be attended by Mrs McAleese and the deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Royston Brady.