Up to five million gather for Pope John Paul’s funeral
Up to five million people, including scores of world leaders, have gathered in Rome for the funeral of Pope John Paul II.
The funeral is due to get underway at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican at 9am Irish time and large screens have been erected in several locations for those who cannot get near.
Two hundred heads of state are due to attend, including President Mary McAleese.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Tánaiste Mary Harney and a number of Irish ministers are also present.
The Italian authorities have mounted a massive security operation for the event, with a no-fly zone in place over central Rome and missile launchers stationed around the city.
The Pope’s funeral mass is due to be celebrated by Cardinal Joseph Ratziger before the Pontiff, who died on Saturday, is buried in the crypt beneath St Peter’s.
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