The mortal remains of Pope John Paul II went on display in the Vatican yesterday. This morning in Rome, cardinals will turn their minds to his last will and testament and plans for his funeral, wites Paddy Agnew in Rome
It is assumed - but not confirmed - that the Pope will, like his predecessors, be buried in the crypt beneath St Peter's Basilica. At least two million people are expected to descend on Rome in the coming days in the expectation of attending what may be the largest such gathering in modern times.
The numbers travelling to the Italian capital will be boosted by the advent of cheap air travel and inspired by the most travelled Pope in history. Tens of thousands are expected from Poland, where the Pope's death has aroused great emotions, and very many young people are also expected to make the journey.
Vatican and Roman authorities have begun to grapple with the logistical problems of transport and accommodation. Yesterday the city laid on extra trains and fresh water supplies and began to erect hundreds of tents in expectation of a massive influx of mourners.
They plan to erect giant screens across the city for pilgrims to follow celebrations, and the Ancient Roman Circus Maximus - once used for chariot races - was designated a gathering point for the mourners. Two stadiums will be opened for pilgrims, with food and water points.
Officials said more than 150,000 people streamed into St Peter's Square throughout yesterday. The crowds blocked roads to the Vatican but the authorities are bracing themselves for the arrival of, on their own estimate, about two million people by the end of the week.
Mayor Walter Veltroni warned that Rome faced one of the biggest organisational tasks in its history.
"For us it is an extraordinary test, of the most tremendous importance. It's going to be like organising the Jubilee in just 48 hours," he told reporters. During the Jubilee Year of 2000 some 30 million people visited the Vatican.
Yesterday the world got its first glimpse of the late Pope. Clad in crimson and white vestments, his body lay on a bier under a simple crucifix with his bishop's staff under his arm.
Those allowed to view the Pope included church dignitaries and Italian politicians. Today, members of the public will get their turn at 5pm Rome time.
The Vatican yesterday gave formal confirmation of the cause of death at 8.37pm Irish time on Saturday. It said the Pope, who was 84, died of heart failure and septic shock - an overwhelming infection leading to low blood pressure and low blood flow which can stop vital organs.
Tributes to the Pope came from all over the world. His funeral is expected to be attended by at least 100 of the world's heads of state and government, including President Bush of the US, President Chirac of France, British prime minister Tony Blair and the UN secretary general Kofi Annan among others. President McAleese will represent Ireland.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the selection of the other members of the Irish delegation would depend on the final protocol decisions made by the Vatican.
Mr Ahern said the national flag would fly at half mast until the funeral was over but there would be no day of mourning.
Officials were last night trying to assess the public appetite for such a gesture after former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallan criticised the decision not to declare an official day of mourning, and some members of the public telephoned Government Buildings suggesting one.
Throughout the world yesterday Sunday religious services were dominated by thoughts for the late Pope.
In Rome around 130,000 worshippers gathered at St Peter's Square to hear the Pope's own words read out at Mass.
"It is love which converts hearts and gives peace," said the text, which was prepared for the Sunday after Easter and was read out by an archbishop.
Under a lamplight in the centre of the great square, a makeshift shrine to him was adorned with flowers, candles, photographs of the him, rosary beads and messages of gratitude.
"Papa, ti voglio bene, Francesco" - I love you, from Francesco - was the succinct message written in pencil on a post-it note and in a very young hand.