US president George Bush and United Nations General Secretary Kofi Annan will be among the world leaders attending the funeral of Pope John Paul II, who died on April 2.

• The Pontiff passes on

The open-air requiem mass is expected to begin at 1330 IST, which will be followed by rituals, to be presided over by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, being followed for centuries.

Police in Rome will face a tough task in managing the millions of people thronging the Vatican for the funeral.

Leaders from over 100 countries, besides representatives of other religions will take part in the funeral.