Work begins to prepare Pope's funeral

Planning Pope John Paul II’s funeral and arranging the destruction of his papal ring are among the imposing tasks awaiting the red-capped members of the College of Cardinals as they prepare to hold their first meeting since the pontiff’s death.

The body of Pope John Paul II emerges from an inner sanctum of the Vatican today for the public to bid farewell, as cardinals gather to hear the pontiff’s final wishes and decide the hour and manner of his burial.