Thousands remember Pope John XXIII

The body of Pope John XXIII, in a crystal and bronze coffin, was displayed in St Peter’s Square today as thousands paid tribute to one of the most beloved pontiffs in modern times.

When the body, dressed in a white lace over-tunic, red velvet cape and red hat trimmed with ermine, reached the steps of the basilica, Pope John Paul II came out into the square in a solemn procession at the start of Mass celebrated at an altar on the steps.