Pilgrims Mourn John Paul Ii

Thousands of grieving pilgrims converged on Rome today to pay homage to Pope John Paul II, who died last night after a long illness.

The Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, celebrated a Mass for the repose of the pontiff's soul on the steps of St Peter's Basilica, calling on the estimated 80,000 people gathered there to pray for "our beloved John Paul".

Applause - a traditional mark of respect for the dead in Italy - rang out when Cardinal Sodano prayed for the pope's soul at the start of the Mass.

"We entrust with confidence to the risen Christ, Lord of life and history, our beloved John Paul II who for 27 years guided the universal church as the successor of Peter," he said.

Thousands of people of all faiths and nationalities had held an overnight vigil in St Peter's Square after John Paul's death was announced by Archbishop Leonardo Sandri with the words: "Our beloved Holy Father John Paul has returned to the house of the Father."

John Paul died at 21.37 (1937GMT) in his apartment in the Vatican after deciding not to return to hospital for further medical treatment. His last word was Amen - "let it be so" - according to newspapers. He was 84.

This morning's Mass began with a solemn parade of the College of Cardinals down the steps of the basilica as a choir sang. Each cardinal, dressed in white robes with a golden cross on the chest, kissed the altar before taking his seat.

Pilgrims filled the sqare and the Via della Conciliazione leading up to it, many with tears in their eyes and holding flags, banners and rosaries. First aid stations and ambulances lined the avenue in case any of the pilgrims needed help.

"It's a historic event," said Ercole Ferri, a 72-year-old Roman. "It's not something sad for me. I think of all that he has done."

"Everyone feels like an orphan today," said Giulia Caiani, 24, an Italian student who spent the night with friends on the square. "He was a wonderful guide. We have no guide now, there's no longer his voice, or his presence."

The Vatican said today that the Pope's body would be brought to St Peter's Basilica to lie in state for public viewing from Monday afternoon at the earliest.

The College of Cardinals is to meet at 1000 (0800GMT) tomorrow in its first gathering before a secret election later this month to choose a successor to John Paul. The cardinals were expected to set a date for his funeral, which the Vatican said was expected to be on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Thursday is thought to be the most likely day.