Body of Pope John XXIII displayed in crystal coffin

ROME -Tens of thousands of faithful blew kisses or applauded as Pope John XXIII's body, in a new, crystal and bronze coffin, was wheeled through St Peter's Square yesterday in an unusual viewing that paid tribute to one of the most beloved pontiffs of 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 into the square in a solemn procession at the start of Mass celebrated at an altar on the steps.

"We have the joy to host, near the altar, the venerated remains of Blessed John XXIII," John Paul II said. Later in his homily, John Paul II added: "I would like to underline how the most precious gift left by Pope John was himself, that is to say, his testimony of holiness."

After the ceremony, the 450kg, shatterproof coffin, resting on a bed of red roses, was guided into the basilica by pall-bearers in coat-tailed dark jackets and white gloves. The crowd applauded.

John Paul II has made a point in his 22-year-old papacy of holding out role models from the past to try to shore up the sometimes flagging faith of current believers. The public viewing "keeps alive the good memory of John XXIII and his heritage for the Church in the new millennium", said a Spanish priest, Josep Domingo, who said he would enter the basilica to see the body.

The body, with its hands folded in prayer, was put on display at the main altar for the public until nightfall. The coffin is due to be installed in a new resting place more accessible to John XXIII's many admirers ­ a space under an altar near the centre of the basilica.

"I think back with admiration on the brief but intense pontificate of this unforgettable predecessor of mine," John Paul II said. Then he watched closely as the body, resting on red cushions with a velveteen cushion propping up the head, was removed from the square.

John XXIII, the son of farmers in northern Italy, was the Pope from 1958 to 1963. His pontificate sparked widespread changes to the Church, including the use of local languages instead of Latin for Mass.

John XXIII's body was dressed, in keeping with the pontiff's modesty, in everyday papal clothes and not in the sort of elaborate liturgical vestments he wore when he died from stomach cancer.

After the body was exhumed earlier this year, Vatican officials described the corpse as being in well-preserved condition. Attributing this to modern preservation techniques, they cautioned against considering the discovery a miracle.

Yesterday's ceremony was held when the Roman Catholic Church celebrates Pentecost, a special day that emphasises the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the faithful.

- INDEPENDENT