A Gathering Like No Other

The funeral of the Pope last week drew the biggest gathering of the powerful and the humble in modern times. Four kings, five queens, at least 70 presidents and prime ministers and more than 14 leaders of other religions attended alongside what the Vatican estimated as at least two million faithful; the largest number of pilgrims to converge on St. Peter's Square in its history. REUTERS/Polizia Moderna/


A satellite image shows the millions of mourners who were waiting to view Pope John Paul II's body inside St. Peter's Basilica, in Rome. Security officials said they had to turn away many who were waiting at least 14 hours to see the Pope, and warned that any new pilgrims would not be able to reach the church. (Digital Globe/Reuters)