Summary
VATICAN CITY -- The body of Pope John Paul II, laid upon a blood- red velvet bier, was carried Monday in a solemn procession from the Vatican's Apostolic Palace and presented to a reverent public in St. Peter's Square.
The procession of priests and cardinals, helmeted Swiss Guards and candle-carrying monks snaked slowly through frescoed corridors and down marble staircases as a male choir chanted psalms and prayers in Latin. The body of the 84-year-old pope, who died two days ago in his bedroom in the palace, was held high by 12 white- gloved, black-suited men known as the pontifical chair-bearers.See the full content of this document
Extract
Solemn Cortege for Pope
As the bier entered the sunlight of St. Peter's Square, applause - - a traditional Italian reaction to any momentous event -- broke the silence. Just before entering St. Peter's Basilica, the pallbearers paused and turned the pope's body to face the crowd. Applause erupted ag...
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