Cardinals pray before conclave to elect Pope

CARDINALS yesterday began "an intense period of silence and prayer" before their conclave to choose the next Pope, saying they will stop speaking publicly to protect the secrecy surrounding the centuries-old tradition.

The throngs of pilgrims who attended John Paul II's funeral on Friday flowed out of Rome on Saturday, leaving mainly tourists in a quiet, rainy St Peter's Square, some gazing forlornly at the window where the Pope traditionally appeared to greet the faithful.

The Vatican said a decision on calls to put John Paul on a fast track to sainthood would rest with the next Pope.