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04/04/2005
Two million expected to pay tribute to the Pope
Around two million people are expected to flock to Rome to pay tribute to the late Pope John Paul II, ahead of his funeral, which will take place on Friday morning.
The body of the 84-year-old pontiff, who died on Saturday, will lie in state from this afternoon at St Peter's Basilica and members of the public will be able to pay their respects.
Yesterday, a number of mourners, including Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, paid tribute to the Pope as his body lay in state at Clementine Hall in the Vatican Palace.
Nine days of official mourning have been declared in Vatican city.
The Polish-born pontiff died of septic shock and heart failure on Saturday at 8:37pm GMT. He had developed a high fever, following a urinary tract infection on Thursday. He had previously been hospitalised twice in February for breathing problems, the second time receiving a tracheotomy to help ease his breathing.
Several world leaders have paid tribute to the Pope. US President George Bush described him as a "champion of human freedom" and said: "The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd – a good and faithful servant of God has been called home".
Prime Minister Tony Blair said that John Paul II "radiated warmth and kindness" and was revered by people of "all faiths and none".
NATO Secretary General Japp de Hoop Scheffer said that the Pope would "leave a legacy as one of the historic figures of the 20th century".
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, described Pope John Paul II as "a leader of manifest holiness".
Cardinals began meetings today to discuss funeral arrangements, hear the Pope's will and begin the process of electing a new Pope.
It has now been confirmed that the funeral will take place on Friday morning at St Peter's Basilica at 10am local time. A Vatican spokesperson said that the Pope had not stated where he wished to be buried, so he will be buried at the Basilica, in accordance with tradition.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who has been named as a possible successor to Pope John Paul II, will preside over the funeral and Requiem Mass.
Other possible successors to John Paul II include Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, and Cardinal Claudio Hummes, Archbishop of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Cardinal Francis Arinze, a Nigerian, has also been mentioned – if elected, he would become the first black man to serve as Pope for 1,500 years.
Pope John Paul II was born Karol Wojtyla near Krakow in Poland in 1920. He became the first non-Italian to be elected Pope for 450 years in 1978. He survived an assassination attempt in 1981, but his health increasingly worsened in recent years and he suffered from Parkinson's disease and arthritis. Pope John Paul II was the third longest serving Pope in history and was regarded as the most travelled Pope, visiting over 100 countries.
(KMcA/SP)
The body of the 84-year-old pontiff, who died on Saturday, will lie in state from this afternoon at St Peter's Basilica and members of the public will be able to pay their respects.
Yesterday, a number of mourners, including Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, paid tribute to the Pope as his body lay in state at Clementine Hall in the Vatican Palace.
Nine days of official mourning have been declared in Vatican city.
The Polish-born pontiff died of septic shock and heart failure on Saturday at 8:37pm GMT. He had developed a high fever, following a urinary tract infection on Thursday. He had previously been hospitalised twice in February for breathing problems, the second time receiving a tracheotomy to help ease his breathing.
Several world leaders have paid tribute to the Pope. US President George Bush described him as a "champion of human freedom" and said: "The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd – a good and faithful servant of God has been called home".
Prime Minister Tony Blair said that John Paul II "radiated warmth and kindness" and was revered by people of "all faiths and none".
NATO Secretary General Japp de Hoop Scheffer said that the Pope would "leave a legacy as one of the historic figures of the 20th century".
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, described Pope John Paul II as "a leader of manifest holiness".
Cardinals began meetings today to discuss funeral arrangements, hear the Pope's will and begin the process of electing a new Pope.
It has now been confirmed that the funeral will take place on Friday morning at St Peter's Basilica at 10am local time. A Vatican spokesperson said that the Pope had not stated where he wished to be buried, so he will be buried at the Basilica, in accordance with tradition.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who has been named as a possible successor to Pope John Paul II, will preside over the funeral and Requiem Mass.
Other possible successors to John Paul II include Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, and Cardinal Claudio Hummes, Archbishop of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Cardinal Francis Arinze, a Nigerian, has also been mentioned – if elected, he would become the first black man to serve as Pope for 1,500 years.
Pope John Paul II was born Karol Wojtyla near Krakow in Poland in 1920. He became the first non-Italian to be elected Pope for 450 years in 1978. He survived an assassination attempt in 1981, but his health increasingly worsened in recent years and he suffered from Parkinson's disease and arthritis. Pope John Paul II was the third longest serving Pope in history and was regarded as the most travelled Pope, visiting over 100 countries.
(KMcA/SP)
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20 April 2005
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his first Mass
Pope Benedict XVI has delivered his first Mass in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel this morning with the cardinals who elected him yesterday. Benedict XVI admitted to feeling a “sense of inadequacy and human turmoil” at the responsibility of becoming the 265th Pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his first Mass
Pope Benedict XVI has delivered his first Mass in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel this morning with the cardinals who elected him yesterday. Benedict XVI admitted to feeling a “sense of inadequacy and human turmoil” at the responsibility of becoming the 265th Pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
18 April 2005
Cardinals prepare to elect new Pope
Preparations are under way to begin the process of electing the successor to the late Pope John Paul II. Roman Catholic cardinals held a special mass at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome this morning.
Cardinals prepare to elect new Pope
Preparations are under way to begin the process of electing the successor to the late Pope John Paul II. Roman Catholic cardinals held a special mass at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome this morning.
08 April 2005
Applause accompanies emotional ceremony for Pope John Paul II
Mourners at the funeral of Pope John Paul II broke into chanting and applause, as is customary at many Italian funerals, as the world leaders joined the crowds paying tribute to the Pope. The crowd chanted 'Giovanni Paolo' as the plain wooden coffin was set at the steps of St Peter's Basilica in the bright sunshine.
Applause accompanies emotional ceremony for Pope John Paul II
Mourners at the funeral of Pope John Paul II broke into chanting and applause, as is customary at many Italian funerals, as the world leaders joined the crowds paying tribute to the Pope. The crowd chanted 'Giovanni Paolo' as the plain wooden coffin was set at the steps of St Peter's Basilica in the bright sunshine.
01 April 2005
Pope John Paul II in 'grave condition'
Pope John Paul II is in a "very grave" condition, the Vatican confirmed on Friday, as fears grow over his increasingly frail health. The 84-year-old pontiff, who was treated in hospital twice in February after suffering from breathing problems, developed a high fever, caused by a urinary tract infection, last night.
Pope John Paul II in 'grave condition'
Pope John Paul II is in a "very grave" condition, the Vatican confirmed on Friday, as fears grow over his increasingly frail health. The 84-year-old pontiff, who was treated in hospital twice in February after suffering from breathing problems, developed a high fever, caused by a urinary tract infection, last night.
02 February 2005
Pope in stable condition in hospital
According to the Vatican, Pope John Paul II's condition has stabilised, but the 84-year-old pontiff who was taken to Rome's Gemelli hospital has required medical treatment for a respiratory condition overnight. Pope John Paul II developed breathing difficulties after a bout of flu became more serious.
Pope in stable condition in hospital
According to the Vatican, Pope John Paul II's condition has stabilised, but the 84-year-old pontiff who was taken to Rome's Gemelli hospital has required medical treatment for a respiratory condition overnight. Pope John Paul II developed breathing difficulties after a bout of flu became more serious.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
