Delegates to depart for Pope's funeral

The President, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste are all due to travel to Rome today for the funeral of Pope John Paul II, which takes place tomorrow.

Mary McAleese, Bertie Ahern and Mary Harney are among hundreds of heads of state, dignitaries and politicians from throughout the world due to attend the funeral.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and members of the Irish Catholic hierachy will also be present, as will the Irish Ambassadors to the Vatican and to Italy.

Meanwhile, the Pontiff's last will and testament is due to be made public today after being read to the Catholic Church's cardinals yesterday.

The 15-page document, written in Polish, contains John Paul's guidance on the spiritual future of the church and the destination of his material goods.