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Italy announces national mourning for three days after Pope John Paul II''s

KUN0037 4 GEN 0219 KUWAIT /KUNA-IXK3 POL-ITALY-POPE-MOURNING Italy announces national mourning for three days after Pope John Paul II's death ROME, April 3 (KUNA) -- The Italian government announced national mourning for three days after Pope John Paul II's death starting Sunday in addition to the day of the funeral procession. A statement from the Italian cabinet today said that former civil protection minister Guido Bertolaso has been appointed as an extraordinary commissioner to supervise the government's initiatives and activities during the next few days of national mourning. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and all the Italian ministers joined in the Mass for John Paul's soul on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica that was packed with thousands of people reciting prayers for the Pope. The Italian government decided to lower the Italian and European flags at half-mast on all public institutes and government buildings throughout the days of mourning. Condolence registers will be available in all districts of the country for citizens to offer their condolences which will later be presented to the bishops of the Vatican. Italian Minister of Interior Giuseppe Pisanu has been organizing security in the city that will be embracing up to two million people during the city's three days of official mourning. (end) mn.fr KUNA 031407 Apr 05NNNN