Egypt’s Pope Shenouda III, the patriarch of the Coptic Church, will lead the prayers in today's funeral of the those killed last night in Maspero clashes between the army and protesters. 

The cermony will take place in Abbasseya Catherdral where thousands of Copts have gathered since the early morning waiting for the arrival of more than 20 coffins from the Coptic Hospital, one kilometre away.

Three coffins have so far arrived at the cathedral, with others expected shortly.

Earlier today Pope Shenouda discussed last night's clashes at Maspero with a group of bishops of the Holy Synod, the highest Coptic entity in Egypt, in a previously scheduled meeting that was supposed to discuss periodical issues in the Church.

The Coptic Church is yet to release a statement on the violence.