polonus7
02.04.05, 23:24
Bells tolled at the Vatican and across Rome, and Vatican, Italian and
European Union flags were being lowered to half-mast across the capital.
The Pope died after suffering heart and kidney failure following two
hospitalisations in as many months. Just a few hours earlier, the Vatican had
said he was in "very serious" condition but responded to members of the papal
household.
Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican No 2 official, immediately led the
tearful crowd in St. Peter's Square in prayers for the dead Pope.
Immediately after the news was announced to the square by Undersecretary of
State Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, there was complete silence. The crowd
seemed stunned. A few minutes later, some people broke out in applause in
appreciation for the Pope - in an Italian tradition in which mourners often
clap for important figures. Others wept.
www.guardian.co.uk/pope/story/0,12272,1451313,00.html
