Tears for a father

ALL morning helicopters thumped the skies and police sirens wailed as motorcades crossed the city and the bell of St Peter's struggled to broadcast its message that the hour was drawing near.

But then the chimes ceased, and for a minute or two, there was silence and stillness broken only by the wind and the seagulls that soared on it.

Moments later the soaring voices of the choir declared the waiting over and the last public ceremony of Il Papa, Pope John Paul II, began.