Menu
08/04/2005
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.
In a service led by German-born Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and a close friend of the late pontiff, celebrated Mass and delivered the homily.
Over four million people from around the globe have flocked to Rome, only a small proportion of them able to get near St Peter's square to witness and take part in the emotionally charged ceremonies.
Cardinal Ratzinger faced numerous interruptions as mourners applauded as the proceedings were held.
Earlier the private ceremony for the top church prelates took place - medals were placed in the coffin along with a record of the life of the long-serving pontiff.
Among those attending today's ceremonies in Rome were Prince Charles, who had postponed his wedding, Tony Blair, Michael Howard, and Charles Kennedy.
US President George Bush and leaders and representatives from over a hundred other nations, many with differing religious beliefs, were also at the ceremony in St. Peter's.
Election campaigning in the UK was suspended today as a mark of respect.
Italian military and security forces have been placed on high alert. The air space around Rome was closed with flights diverted to other airports.
Temporary air defences were positioned around the Italian capital and warships were added to the defensive cordon, which saw traffic prevented from entering the city centre.
(SP)
The crowd chanted 'Giovanni Paolo' as the plain wooden coffin was set at the steps of St Peter's Basilica in the bright sunshine.
In a service led by German-born Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and a close friend of the late pontiff, celebrated Mass and delivered the homily.
Over four million people from around the globe have flocked to Rome, only a small proportion of them able to get near St Peter's square to witness and take part in the emotionally charged ceremonies.
Cardinal Ratzinger faced numerous interruptions as mourners applauded as the proceedings were held.
Earlier the private ceremony for the top church prelates took place - medals were placed in the coffin along with a record of the life of the long-serving pontiff.
Among those attending today's ceremonies in Rome were Prince Charles, who had postponed his wedding, Tony Blair, Michael Howard, and Charles Kennedy.
US President George Bush and leaders and representatives from over a hundred other nations, many with differing religious beliefs, were also at the ceremony in St. Peter's.
Election campaigning in the UK was suspended today as a mark of respect.
Italian military and security forces have been placed on high alert. The air space around Rome was closed with flights diverted to other airports.
Temporary air defences were positioned around the Italian capital and warships were added to the defensive cordon, which saw traffic prevented from entering the city centre.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 August 2012
Closing Ceremony Narrowly Beat Opening For Viewing Figures
An average of 23.2 million tuned in to watch the closing ceremony of the Olympics, narrowly beating Danny Boyle’s opening event. 22.9m viewers watched the closing event on BBC1, giving the broadcaster a huge 80.7% share of the TV audience.
Closing Ceremony Narrowly Beat Opening For Viewing Figures
An average of 23.2 million tuned in to watch the closing ceremony of the Olympics, narrowly beating Danny Boyle’s opening event. 22.9m viewers watched the closing event on BBC1, giving the broadcaster a huge 80.7% share of the TV audience.
14 February 2011
Prince Harry Best Man In Royal Wedding
Prince Harry has been announced as best man at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding. The couple will marry at Westminster Abbey on Friday, 29 April. Kate's sister Philippa will be maid of honour. Prince William's two godchildren will also take part in the ceremony along with their four bridesmaids.
Prince Harry Best Man In Royal Wedding
Prince Harry has been announced as best man at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding. The couple will marry at Westminster Abbey on Friday, 29 April. Kate's sister Philippa will be maid of honour. Prince William's two godchildren will also take part in the ceremony along with their four bridesmaids.
14 June 2005
Anger over Live8 ticket sales on eBay
Winners of tickets for next month’s Live8 concert who are attempting to sell their tickets on internet auction site eBay have been branded as “obscene”. The Hunter Foundation, who are helping organiser Bob Geldof to stage another Live8 event in Edinburgh, urged anyone selling Live8 tickets to withdraw them from sale.
Anger over Live8 ticket sales on eBay
Winners of tickets for next month’s Live8 concert who are attempting to sell their tickets on internet auction site eBay have been branded as “obscene”. The Hunter Foundation, who are helping organiser Bob Geldof to stage another Live8 event in Edinburgh, urged anyone selling Live8 tickets to withdraw them from sale.
01 March 2004
London 'quality of life' among worst in Europe
London people experience among the worst quality of life in the major Western European capitals, according to the findings of a recent survey. The survey for Mercer Human Resource Consulting found that London was ranked 11th in the bottom half of the top 15 European cities, just above Milan, Rome, Lisbon and Athens.
London 'quality of life' among worst in Europe
London people experience among the worst quality of life in the major Western European capitals, according to the findings of a recent survey. The survey for Mercer Human Resource Consulting found that London was ranked 11th in the bottom half of the top 15 European cities, just above Milan, Rome, Lisbon and Athens.
29 May 2014
Thousands Expected To Attend Vigil For Stephen Sutton
Thousands of people are expected to attend a vigil for the late cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton, who died aged 19 after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer aged 15. He raised more than £3m for charity. His mother, Jane Sutton said the service, which will be at the Lichfield Cathedral, would be a celebration of his life.
Thousands Expected To Attend Vigil For Stephen Sutton
Thousands of people are expected to attend a vigil for the late cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton, who died aged 19 after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer aged 15. He raised more than £3m for charity. His mother, Jane Sutton said the service, which will be at the Lichfield Cathedral, would be a celebration of his life.
-
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.
