Pope John Paul II Funeral
The poor and the powerful of the earth rubbed shoulders to say their last
goodbye to the Pope on Friday as the Vatican staged one of the most momentous
funerals in history for the Polish Pontiff. Hundreds of thousands of people,
joined with world leaders and presidents, gathered at the Vatican to say
farewell to Pope John Paul II. Millions also packed the streets of Rome to watch
the ceremony on large television screens.
People cheered and applauded while the simple wooden coffin was brought into St.
Peter’s square. Bells tolled as the coffin was taken back inside St. Peter’s
Basilica for burial, also accompanied by people’s applause.
Closing an eventful 26 years, the Pope was buried with the remains of popes from
history, near the traditional tomb of the apostle Peter, the first pope.
