LOC14:07
11:07 GMT
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
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