Pope Buried in St. Peter’s Crypt
Crowds gathered in and around St. Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope John Paul II Friday morning. Among them, 200 world leaders. Millions around the world watched the ceremony broadcast on giant screens in cities, or from their own private televisions.
After the requiem, the coffin was taken to its final resting place in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica. Only a select few were allowed to accompany the coffin into the crypt.
The cypress wood coffin was placed inside two other caskets, one zinc and one oak, before being buried. The grave is marked by a simple marble slab: Joannes Paulus II, 1920-2005.
The funeral service was conducted by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. In his sermon, he traced the life of the man he called “our late beloved Pope.” There was much emotion from the thousands of pilgrims, many of whom wept openly as they prayed.
The bells of St. Peter’s tolled and the crowd applauded as the coffin was being carried away. Just before entering the basilica, the coffin was turned toward the pilgrims and held aloft for a few moments. It was as if the Pope was looking upon his people one last time as they bade him farewell.