Thousands file past pope
2005-04-04 22:03
Vatican City - In silent reverence, mourners began paying their final respects Monday to Pope John Paul II as he lies in state in Saint Peter's basilica in the Vatican.
Tears flowed freely in the hushed surroundings of the ornate church as a steady stream of people was funnelled in, past the body lying on a dais.
Many paused to genuflect in a moment of awed silence at the sight of the pontiff, lying at a slight angle, his head resting on red pillows, his hands clasped on his chest.
Colourfully liveried Swiss guards stood to attention as ushers continually sought to move the mourners on.
Ilaria Di Marzio, from the Adriatic seaside town of Pescara, said it was a moment of "great emotion".
"He was a great pope. I'm sad, but also happy," she said in broken English, tears in her eyes but a smile on her face.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to file past the pope's body over the next three days and nights until his funeral on Friday.
The body was earlier carried into the basilica in a ceremonial procession from the Vatican's sumptuous Clementine Hall nearby.
John Paul II, who died late on Saturday aged 84 after reigning 26 years as leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is to be buried in the basilica's crypt.
- AFP