By Richard Shim, 8 April 2005 10:05
NEWS Today's funeral for Pope John Paul II will be available across a broad range of media, including online venues.
The ceremonies in St. Peter's Basilica, which are expected to draw some 2 billion viewers, will be broadcast over television networks, the web and satellite radio stations.
The 84-year-old pontiff died Saturday. His health had declined over the past two months and he was given last rites after suffering a heart attack on 31 March. While the pope will largely be remembered for his influence on social issues ranging from euthanasia to AIDS, he also earned a place in history as the first pontiff to embrace computer technology.
Current ceremonies showing visitors paying their last respects to the pope are being streamed from the Vatican's website.
The Vatican site adds that television coverage of the ceremonies will be distributed worldwide.
XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio said this week they will be carrying live reports and special coverage of the funeral.
The Mass is scheduled to begin today at 9 am GMT and to be given in Italian.
The pope's last will and testament has also been posted on the Vatican's website.
Richard Shim writes for CNET News.com.
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