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Vatican Begins 9 Days of Official Mourning for Pope
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Hundreds of dignitaries - monarchs, presidents, prime ministers and
religious leaders - attended John Paul II's funeral





Master of the liturgical ceremonies archbishop Piero Marini, right,
receives the Holy Gospel before placing it on the casket of Pope John
Paul II during the funeral in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican,
Friday The Roman Catholic Church Saturday begins nine days of official
mourning after Friday's emotional funeral Mass for Pope John Paul II.

During the period, special commemorative Masses will be held at the
Vatican, presided over by many of the cardinals who will choose the
new pope.

The Roman Catholic conclave of cardinals plans to meet April 18 behind
closed doors to start the process of electing John Paul's successor.

After Friday's public Mass, the pontiff was laid to rest in a private
ceremony in the crypt beneath St. Peter's Basilica.

Hundreds of dignitaries - monarchs, presidents, prime ministers and
religious leaders - attended the pope's funeral Mass. President Bush,
who led the U.S. delegation, said the pope leaves a clear legacy of
peace and compassion.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims jammed St. Peter's Square and the
surrounding streets of Rome to pay their last respects. The funeral
was broadcast worldwide.

Polish-born Pope John Paul II died last Saturday at the age of 84
after a 26-year pontificate.


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