pope john paul ii: now resting at the high altar

Today, starting at 10 a.m. CDT, the body of Pope John Paul II was taken from the Clementine Hall to St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Somalo started with a short set of prayers and sprinkling of the body with holy water, followed by a solemn procession. During the procession, the 23rd Psalm (The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want…) was sung as was the Litany of Saints.
After the long procession, the body, guarded by the Swiss Guards, was placed near the high altar. Cardinal Somalo again sprinkled the body with holy water then incensed it. He then presided over the Liturgy of the Word.
The Pope will lay here until Friday when he is buried.