Sea of Pilgrims Pay Last Respects to Pope
‘Pope John Paul II’s body was carried solemnly on a crimson platform to St. Peter’s Basilica, past a sea of more than 100,000 pilgrims who waited for hours Monday under a blistering sun for a glimpse of the late pontiff before his funeral and entombment.
Twelve white-gloved pallbearers flanked by Swiss Guards in red-plumed helmets gingerly marched the body from the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, where it had lain in state for prelates and dignitaries, to the basilica for display to the public. Priests chanted the Litany of the Saints.
Incense wafted through the church where John Paul’s body will be laid to rest Friday in an ancient grotto holding the remains of popes through the ages, after a funeral to be attended under heavy security by President Bush and dozens of other world leaders. Up to 2 million pilgrims are expected in Rome to pay their final respects.
As cardinals in their red robes and caps filed past the body, bowing and crossing themselves, a long line of faithful, tourists and Romans who had packed St. Peter’s Square slowly snaked into the basilica.’
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