Pilgrims prepare to mark anniversary of late Pope's death

Pilgrims began arriving in Rome today to mark the first anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death, praying by his tomb and preparing for an evening vigil tomorrow night in St Peter’s Square to commemorate the exact time of his passing.

The Polish Embassy to the Holy See said it expected some 10,000 Poles from John Paul’s homeland to participate in the Vatican’s anniversary commemorations, which also include a Mass on Monday celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI. The city said it was expecting at least 100,000 to 150,000 pilgrims over the weekend.