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Cardinals (in red), bishops, and dignitaries attend Pope's John Paul II funeral in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Friday, April 8, 2005.
(AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
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Millions Mourn
By Suzanne Freeman
Friday, April 1—While millions gathered in Rome for the funeral of Pope John Paul II, thousands of Americans filled their churches early Friday morning to also pay their respects. No matter their religion, people around the world admired Pope John Paul II for his humanitarianism and life long fight against Communism.
"John Paul II was not only a strong leader, he was a genuinely good person," said firefighter Jeff Przekowpowski of Holyoke, Massachusetts. He and his fellow firefighters watched the funeral on TV from the firehouse. It was broadcast live Friday at 4 a.m. ET. "He practiced what he preached. And you can see that in the way everybody—the whole world—has come together today."
The two-and-half-hour mass was held in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, in Rome, Italy. It was attended by dignitaries around the world, including U.S. President George W. Bush and former U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Four kings, five queens, at least 70 Presidents and Prime ministers, and more than 14 leaders of other religions joined with millions of the faithful from all religions to say goodbye to the Pope. The gathering of 2 million people in Rome is said to be the largest religious gathering in modern times.
In the Pope's home country of Poland, 800,000 people gathered in a field in Krakow to watch the funeral on huge screens. Poles who traveled to the Vatican waved Polish flags in St. Peter's Square. Pope John Paul II was the first non-Italian pope in more than 400 years. He served for 26 years.
"It is our last chance to say goodbye," a Polish woman who made the journey to Rome told a reporter. People traveling to Rome stood in line for up to 24 hours for a few seconds at the Pope’s side.
After a nine-day period of mourning, the College of Cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel to begin the process of picking the next Pope. At least 117 cardinals are expected to be part of the process.
For more information on the influence of Pope John Paul II on world affairs and how his successor will be chosen, check out our Special Report.
RELATED WEB SITES
Remembering the Pope
Read this report from Scholastic News Online to learn more about Pope John Paul II.
Pope John Paul II
Visit this site from PBS to learn more about Pope John Paul II.
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