A never-ending wave of pilgrims is pouring into Rome to view the body and pay final respects to Pope John Paul II, lying inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Photo: Ilya Pitalev
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Russians to Get Vatican Visas in Two Hours
Italy’s embassy in Russia has arranged emergency provision of visas to Russian pilgrims willing to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II in Vatican, Interfax was told in the consular department of Italian legation.
As the circumstances are exceptional, it will take only two hours instead of several days to obtain a visa, the source said.
Apart from the pilgrims, visas are urgently issued for representatives of Russian mass media, going over to Vatican to cover the funeral ceremony.
The number of people craving for an urgent visa to Italy has surged after the death of pontific. Most applicants are going to pay last respects to the late Pope at the funeral scheduled for Friday, April 8.
In wait for up to 4 million pilgrims, the authorities of Italy have requested visitors to take up residence in the outskirts and suburbs of Rome.
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