Vatican City, Apr 7, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Pope John Paul II, shepherd of the Catholic Church for 26 years, was laid to rest this morning in the presence of presidents, kings, church leaders from all denominations, and faithful from around the globe.
The funeral Mass is already being called one of the largest religious events in human history, as millions who were not able to be in Rome watched the solemn event from their televisions.
The polish-born pope, who died Saturday at the Vatican was laid in a simple, Cypress casket emblazoned with an “M” underneath a cross representing his beloved Virgin Mary standing beneath Jesus’ cross.
Winds blew strongly and the gathered crowds applauded as the coffin was laid on a carpet in front of the altar, and the book of the Gospel placed on top.