Venezuela buries Church leader

Cardinal Ignacio Velasco, 74, was honoured with a state funeral in Caracas cathedral, applauded by crowds of admirers but also jeered by pro-Chavez groups.

On Monday, riot police had used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds of apparently pro-government demonstrators who tried to stormed the cathedral where the cardinal was lying in state.

Correspondents say the clashes highlight the stormy relationship between the government and the Church.

Cardinal Velasco often spoke out against President Chavez, who accused the Catholic hierarchy of siding with wealthy political opponents and once called the Church a "tumour".

The cardinal was also accused of backing a coup in April 2002, although he visited Mr Chavez while he was being held by rebel generals and then urged Venezuelans to follow the president's call for reconciliation.

National Guard troops and police protected the funeral procession as Chavez supporters shouted insults like "Justice has been done - he was a coup plotter!" and "The rats bury their rat!"

The cardinal's coffin was carried around a central square before being laid in a tomb in the cathedral.

President Chavez did not attend the funeral but several government ministers were present.

Cardinal Velasco died on Sunday after a long illness.