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Pope John Paul II: 1920 - 2005

Associated Press

Tens of thousands of pilgrims transform St. Peter's Square into an outdoor shrine.

By View of a lifetime
Published April 5, 2005

VATICAN CITY - Falling silent, whispering the rosary and clasping their hands, tens of thousands of pilgrims paid their final respects to Pope John Paul II on Monday after his body was carried on a crimson platform to St. Peter's Basilica.

There was no stopping for a lingering view, a motionless moment of reflection. Many wept as they walked past the bier. Some collapsed against the wall outside after leaving the basilica, designed by Bramante and Michelangelo.

The crowd cheerfully chanted and clapped hands on the street leading to St. Peter's Square as it moved slowly toward the basilica. As soon it entered the square, people fell silent. Their glimpse of the pope's remains was quick at best, as police whispered "Hurry up."

But some still managed to snap photographs with cell phones as they passed Pope John Paul's body, clad in a scarlet velvet robe.

"I would like to tell him how much I love him," said Lorenzo Cardone, 9, waiting in line with his parents.

Earlier, as priests chanted the Litany of the Saints, 12 white-gloved pallbearers flanked by Swiss Guards in red-plumed helmets gingerly marched the body from the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, where it had lain in state for prelates and dignitaries, to the basilica.

Chicago Cardinal Francis George said the cardinals prayed for about one hour before the procession.

Outside, the mourners stood in line hour after hour, starting when the sun's heat blazed off the Vatican's old stones, and into the late night chill.

All the time, as the line inched forward, it grew longer and longer; out of St. Peter's Square, stretching out of sight down the Via Conciliazone. Police said close to midnight it was 2 miles long.

[Last modified April 5, 2005, 01:32:04]