VATICAN CITY -Responding to Pope John Paul II's request, the Vatican will depart from centuries-old tradition by ringing bells in addition to sending up white smoke to signal the election of his successor.
Before he died Saturday at age 84, John Paul also made his wish known to be buried in the ground
Archbishop Piero Marini said yesterday.
He will be laid to rest with a white silk veil on his face, a rosary in his hands and his body clad in liturgical vestments and the white miter. Following the centuries-old custom for burying popes, his body will be placed inside a three-layered coffin -cypress, lead and elm -a design meant to slow decomposition, the Vatican confirmed.
A small bag of commemorative medals issued over the course of his 26-year pontificate, as well as a sealed document featuring a brief description in Latin of John Paul's life, will be buried with him near the tomb that is traditionally believed to be that of the first pope, St. Peter.
John Paul's personal physician told La Repubblica newspaper that the Polish-born pope passed away slowly with pain and suffering which he endured with great human dignity.
The Holy Father could not utter a single word before passing away
said Dr. Renato Buzzonetti. Just as happened in the last days he could not speak
he was forced to silence.
Marini brushed off rumors that Polish soil would be placed in the coffin, as many Poles had hoped.
Everybody has wishes. It is impossible to fulfill them all
he said.
One of John Paul's wishes, Marini said, was for bells to ring in the announcement of a new pope to avoid confusion over the color of the smoke coming from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
17
Archives
The Associated Press
200504062436midsize.jpg
