Massive security plan for pope's funeral
Tired pilgrims huddled together to keep warm in the line that stretched more than two kms through the streets around the Vatican. Some waited nine hours for a quick glimpse of the man who led the Roman Catholic Church for 26 years.
"It's not such a big effort," said James Dube from Boston, who is studying in Rome. "If you're not prepared to put in this kind of effort for your faith, you may as well watch baseball instead of going to church."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. About 1 million people from all around the world have filed past the crimson-clad body of the Pope in the last two days. At least as many more are likely to shuffle past his bier before he is laid in a coffin for his funeral on Friday.
The funeral will bring together dozens of world leaders, some of whom rarely if ever meet, a fitting tribute to a Pope who fought for world peace and unity.
The chairs already laid out in St. Peter's Square will seat President Bush near President Mohammad Khatami of Iran, one of the countries Bush included in his "axis of evil."
About 2 million pilgrims are expected at the funeral but some say 4 million will flood to Rome for the three-hour Mass.
Bus-loads are already on their way from the Pope's native Poland. Ships and planes are bringing in many more.
Huge fields on the outskirts of Rome have been filled with tents to house those who cannot find or afford a hotel.
"He always wanted to connect with the people as a good pastor," said Cardinal Roger Mahony, archbishop of Los Angeles. "(Now) the flock is coming to see the pastor."
To protect the masses, Rome is drafting in extra police, a surveillance plane and anti-aircraft missiles. From Thursday, no planes will be allowed to fly over the Italian capital.
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said he was worried.
"Of course I'm anxious but only as much as you would be, as much as you should be," he told reporters. "We are working and preparing every last thing and I think we'll do our bit well."
The Pope will be buried under St. Peter's on the same spot as John XXIII who died in 1963 but has since been beatified and moved up to the main level of the marble-lined basilica.
A Vatican spokesman said John Paul's will could be opened when cardinals meet on Wednesday but ruled out the possibility of his body -- or parts of it -- being buried in Poland.
Comments