Many of them lined up, eyes wet, for communion, but as much as the priest tried to capture the importance of Mr. Saint Laurent, it was his former companion and business partner, Pierre Bergé, who spoke most movingly.
The two men, who remained business associates and friends long after their romance ended, decided to create a civil union together in the days before Mr. Saint Laurent died, Mr. Bergé said. The French union, known as a "civil pact of solidarity," carries mutual rights and responsibilities, but is short of a marriage.
"It's going to be necessary to part now," Mr. Bergé said, addressing his friend in the coffin. "I don't know how to do it because I never would have left you. Have we ever left each other before? Even if I know that we will no longer share a surge of emotion before a painting or a work of art."
Mr. Bergé's voice broke. "But I also know that I will never forget what I owe you, and that one day I will join you under the Moroccan palms."
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