Pope Benedict XVI has named six new cardinals, adding prelates from Lebanon, the Philippines, Nigeria, Colombia, India and the United States to the ranks of cardinals who will elect his successor.

Presidents, prime ministers and kings joined pilgrims and prelates in St Peter’s Square today to bid farewell to Pope John Paul at a funeral service that drew millions to Rome for one of the largest religious gatherings in the West of modern times.

Pope John Paul has “just a little fever”, his spokesman said today in elaborating on a terse medical bulletin issued by the Vatican.

The Pope spent a restful night after being rushed to the hospital with breathing problems, the Vatican said today.

Pope John Paul II, suffering from breathing problems and the flu, was rushed to the hospital tonight, Vatican officials said.