Friday, April 8 2005 14:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Vatican City: The funeral ceremony for Pope John Paul II began today (Apr 8, 2005) in Saint Peter's Square in front of a seething mass of mourners and state leaders.

Applause broke out as the plain cypress wood coffin was borne out of Saint Peter's Basilica by 12 bearers in black and placed on a small dais before the altar.

Dignitaries from around the world stood in respect as the coffin was placed at the heart of the altar.

A red-bound New Testament was opened and placed on top of the coffin, its pages flickering in the wind, as funereal music played and Catholic prelates took their seats.