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CNN Live At Daybreak
Upcoming Week at Vatican; Championship Hoops
Aired April 04, 2005 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Straight ahead on DAYBREAK, the world cardinals are expected to decide today on the funeral services for the shepherd of the Catholic Church. Also today, the public begins paying respects to the holy father.
This is Monday, April 4th, and you are watching DAYBREAK.
And good Monday morning to you. From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Kelly Wallace, in today for Carol Costello.
Now a look at some of the stories in the news.
The body of Pope John Paul II is expected to be moved from the Apostolic Palace to St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing today. The College of Cardinals is meeting at this hour to discuss funeral plans for the head of the world's one billion Catholics.
President Bush welcomes Ukrainian president Viktor Yuschenko to the White House in a little more than five hours. The two are expected to discuss the spread of democracy in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Simulated terrorist attacks will take place today in Connecticut and New Jersey. The drills involve chemical weapons and traditional explosive attacks. The $16 million exercise tests the nation's homeland security response.
And no traffic problems here. Many rivers and creeks in eastern and central Pennsylvania are spilling over their banks. Just take a look at those pictures. A state of emergency was declared in neighboring New Jersey due to heavy rains and flooding.
To Chad Myers at the weather center in Atlanta.
Good morning, Chad. Any relief in sight for those folks in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You know, a little bit today. But there's still some rain showers into parts of New York, also into Boston this morning.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WALLACE: All right, Chad. We'll check back with you in about 15 minutes or so. Thanks so much.
While millions mourn the pope, here is a look at what is happening in the days ahead.
John Paul's body, dressed in crimson and white vestments will be lying in state in St. Peter's Basilica today. Canon Law calls for his funeral to take place as early as Wednesday, as late as Friday.
The conclave of cardinals must start within 15 to 20 days of the pope's death to begin the process to select a new pope. Sunday the earliest possible date for the conclave.
And this will certainly be a very busy week at the Vatican. What happens next with the pope is governed by law or tradition. Little is left to chance.
Joining us now from Rome is Vatican expert Father Greg Apparcel.
Father, thanks for joining us. We understand there is a great deal of activity right now in St. Peter's Square. What is going on there?
REV. GREG APPARCEL, VATICAN EXPERT: Well, there's a lot of people gathering. They're clapping and they're singing. They're lining up. They're preparing for when they'll be able to go into the Basilica to view and pay their last respects to Pope John Paul II.
We don't know when that will be, but we hear it's possible at 5:00 p.m. It's now just after 11:00 a.m. here in Rome.
WALLACE: And, of course, Father, we know that the cardinals meeting today. The first time they're meeting since the pope's death on Saturday. What exactly will they be deciding behind closed doors today?
APPARCEL: OK. The general congregation of all the cardinals that are here in Rome, those who are over 80 who won't be able to vote, as well as those who are under 80, who will be able to vote, are deciding when the funeral will be for Pope John Paul, when the conclave will begin. They're also pledging that they will keep all these things -- all their discussions secret, except for the results of their decisions, about when the funeral will be.
They'll also be talking about choosing two theologians to give the meditations about the state of the Church and about careful discernment in choosing the next pope.
WALLACE: Now, we don't know, do we, Father, whether or not Pope John Paul II left any instructions on exactly where he would want to be buried, do we?
APPARCEL: No, but we should know that pretty soon, because at this meeting also will be read any instructions or letter that he wrote to the cardinals to be read out loud. And one of the things that he may have written is where he'd like to be buried.
The conjecture is possibly in the crypt below St. Peter's, near St. Peter's grave. Possibly in the place that was left vacant by Pope John XXIII when he was moved upstairs to the Basilica himself when he was beatified. Or possibly, he may want to be buried in his home in Krakow in Poland.
WALLACE: And as we're talking, Father, our viewers are looking at pictures, the Apostolic Palace, where Pope John Paul II lying in state. These are dignitaries and cardinals who were not able to view the body yesterday. Also, invited guests, journalists, including our own Alessio Vinci and Jim Bittermann, who we will be talking to throughout the day here on CNN.
What do you make, Father, of the fact that cameras were allowed to see this both yesterday and today, normally something that is private and not open to any cameras?
APPARCEL: Well, this was the choice of Pope John Paul II himself. And as a person who shared his life and his message with the world all of his life, as well as his dying, his suffering and his dying with the people, wanted to share these last moments with all of the people of the world as well. And so it's totally appropriate that this is the case.
WALLACE: And, of course, a lot of discussions and speculation about the future, who could become the successor to Pope John Paul II. But I heard one analyst talking about the conclave, saying no one can really be campaigning for the job, right? It would not be politically correct if you're out there campaigning for it.
APPARCEL: No. And I don't think that they would even want to do that. There may be, you know, private discussions going on which I wouldn't know about. But in terms of public campaigning, it's not like -- it's not like you're campaigning to win an Oscar or something like that, or a public office. It's just not done, nor would they want to.
WALLACE: All right. OK. Father Greg Apparcel joining us. We're going to talk to you throughout the morning here on DAYBREAK.
And again, we are expecting Pope John Paul II's body to be moved to St. Peter's Basilica. And that will be viewing open to the public sometime later this Monday.
Well, there has certainly been an outpouring of praise for the pope's legacy for leaders around the world. President Bush is expected to be at the pontiff's funeral, along with other heads of state. In a televised statement over the weekend, the president remembers the pope's leadership and his humility.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We will always remember the humble, wise and fearless priest who became one of history's great moral leaders.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WALLACE: The pope's life also touched so many average Americans. Millions of worshipers packed churches across the nation for special services on Sunday. St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City overflowed with more than 2,000 people. Speakers were set up outside the church to broadcast the mass for those who couldn't get in.
And in New Jersey, worshipers packed Newark's Sacred Heart Cathedral. On a trip to the United States back in 1995, the pope declared Sacred Heart a minor basilica, an honor given to churches of great beauty. He also celebrated mass at Giant Stadium, where more than 80,000 people turned out despite the pouring rain.
In Albany, New York, around 1,200 people said goodbye to the pope at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. One parishioner says the pope had a simple but inspiring message, "Love one another no matter who you are."
Many of you believe history will look very kindly upon the pope. John Paul II was chosen as pontiff in 1978 and led the Roman Catholic Church for more than 26 years. He also became the most traveled pope in history.
A new CNN-"USA TODAY"-Gallup poll of average Americans is out. It asks, "Will John Paul II go down in history as one of the greatest popes?" Sixty-seven percent of Catholics surveyed said yes, 31 percent say no.
And this morning we are asking you to share your thoughts on Pope John Paul II. Email us at DAYBREAK@CNN.com. Again, your thoughts on Pope John Paul II, his legacy, and all that he did during 26 years leading the Catholic Church.
Lighting candles, chanting prayers, shedding tears. Worshipers mourn the pope's passing. Later this hour, we'll take you to John Paul II's native land, where people are remembering their favorite son. We leave you now with some of the images of the faithful around the world.
You're watching DAYBREAK for a Monday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WALLACE: And welcome back to DAYBREAK.
You are watching as dignitaries, journalists, people pay their respects and say a final farewell to Pope John Paul II, lying in state now at the Apostolic Palace. His body to be moved today to St. Peter's Basilica, where the general public will be able to say their final good-byes.
Welcome back again.
We want to go now live to CNN's Richard Quest, who has been monitoring and watching the crowds gathering outside St. Peter's Square.
Richard, always great to see you. Are you starting to see the thousands and thousands flock to the square in honor of the pope?
RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Kelly. Yes, good morning from Rome. What we are now starting to see is groups of people waiting to find out when they will be allowed into the Basilica when the body is moved from the Clementine Hall, where it is currently being viewed by those dignitaries and journalists, into the Basilica, into the chapel there, where ordinary members of the public will get their chance to pay their final respects.
Now, St. Peter's Square is a vast area. You can see it over my shoulder. And to that extent, it can often be slightly deceptive, how many people are in there.
But if we move in, you can see one particular group of mourners, of pilgrims who, over the last 20 minutes or so, have been -- I hesitate to use the word "chanting," but there's been applause, there has been chanting, there has been general almost revivalist sentiment coming from the square. And what that is telling us is that, although this is a moment of huge sadness and mourning, it is also a moment of celebration of the life of John Paul II.
Rome has -- this part of Rome is pretty much ground to standstill, as you can imagine. And the authorities here are suggesting, Kelly, that over the next few days we could see up to two million people who have decided to make the trip, come to Rome, pay their respects, and wanted to be here, Kelly, for the funeral.
WALLACE: And that will pose, Richard, no doubt, a major, major security challenge for Italian authorities.
Richard, I know you've been out there and you've been talking to people who have been coming to St. Peter's Square. What is the -- what are you hearing from the people about why they felt they wanted to be there and what their hopes are for the future?
QUEST: Last night I was -- I arrived in Rome, I was in my hotel, I went out for a walk around, and it was a group of young American students who were staying in the hotel. They were on their way back to the United States. They'd done the semester in Europe business.
And what they said was they'd actually been at the Hard Rock Cafe when they'd heard that Pope John Paul II had passed away, and that then they felt the need to immediately come to St. Peter's Square just to be here. And they said, as many have told me since I've been in Rome, they were in Rome anyway. They were either tourists or they were students. But it was the need to come here, and for the Catholics it was to be part of a moment with their leader.
But, for non-Catholics alike, they also wanted to be here because, Kelly, this is an international moment of history. A pontiff after 26, 27 years, who's passed on, there are those of my generation who can only barely remember the last papal succession process. Many of those in the -- many of those in the crowd at the moment have no recollection of any other pope than John Paul II.
So, to come full circle, this moment of sadness tinged with moments of celebration and moments of anticipation as, of course, the conclave will meet in two weeks to discuss what comes next. Can I just, Kelly, take one moment just to update you with what we know is happening at the moment?
The College of Cardinals is meeting. They will be reviewing any last will and testament, any last requests of John Paul II. That will determine whether he is buried here at St. Peter's Basilica or whether he wished to be buried either in Krakow, where he was archbishop in Poland, or Wadowice, his native town where he was born. We expect to get an announcement on that.
We will get an announcement, we hope, on when the funeral will be held. It could be as early as Thursday. It might be later than Friday. And we will also find out how long he will lie in state for members of the public to pay their respects.
So there's plenty there for the cardinals to be considering. And as the day wares on, we will get more information on that.
WALLACE: Richard, thanks so much. We'll be looking at you and the rest of our colleagues in Rome for the answers about all those details you mentioned. Richard Quest reporting live from St. Peter's Square in Rome.
Well, your news, money, weather and sports. It's about almost 18 minutes after the hour. And here is what is all new this morning.
Two people remain hospitalized after an Amtrak passenger train derails in Washington State. About two dozen others suffered only minor injuries. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but workers hope to have the tracks cleared sometime today.
In money, a new report on airline quality says service is deteriorating. The study blames smaller work forces at most major airlines for the drop in quality. According to the report, only four carriers, AirTran, Atlantic Southeast, JetBlue and United improved service last year.
In culture, Barbra Streisand is set to begin work on a new album. The new music will be written and produced by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. The album is expected to hit stores in September.
In sports, outfielder Alex Sanchez of the Tamp Bay Devil Rays became the first player suspended under baseball's new steroid rules. He denies using any performance-enhancing drugs and blames the positive tests on something he bought over the counter. His 10-day suspension starts today.
So Chad again at the weather center.
Chad, what is it looking like for us today?
(WEATHER REPORT)
WALLACE: OK, Chad. Talk to you in a few minutes. Still to come here on this Monday edition of DAYBREAK, the homeland of Pope John Paul II and the extent of his Polish roots around the globe when we come back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WALLACE: And you know the song, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." The reason is Major League Baseball returning to the nation's capital for the first time in 34 years. The new Washington Nationals hosted the New York Mets in their final exhibition game. The Mets won 4-3. The Nationals host their first regular season game on April 14.
Well, turning now to another sport, 63 down and one to go. College basketball's March Madness has given way to April Enchantment and tonight's championship game. CNN's Larry Smith has a preview from St. Louis.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LARRY SMITH, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Number one versus number two, a championship match-up rarely seen in college basketball. Despite an impressive 32-4 record, North Carolina never claimed the top spot in the rankings because Illinois has been just as dominant, standing one victory shy of an NCAA record, 38 wins.
DERON WILLIAMS, ILLINOIS GUARD: I think it's the match-up that pretty much everybody wanted and everybody anticipated. So, you know, it's finally here, you know? And now we'll get to play it out.
SEAN MAY, NORTH CAROLINA FORWARD CENTER: If you're going to win, you want to beat the best. And, you know, they're probably thinking the same thing, that, you know, they're the number one team but some people look at them as the underdog.
BRUCE WEBER, ILLINOIS HEAD COACH: The basketball gods watched -- you know, looked over college basketball this year. And, you know, it's just a great scenario.
SMITH: Monday night is a contrast of styles. The Tar Heels are the nation's highest scoring team, losing only once when they reached 80 points. But the Illinois defense has allowed 70 points just four times all year, with a penchant of locking down its opponents at crunch time.
ROGER POWELL, ILLINOIS FORWARD: I think we'll be able to contain them. I think -- I mean, we take pride -- we take pride in our defense. I mean, that's something that we really focus on and we really enjoy, you know. And it's not very often that teams enjoy playing defense.
RAYMOND FELTON, NORTH CAROLINA GUARD: I mean, we played against a lot of great defensive teams this year, you know. And we're just going to still thrive on what we've been doing. You know, we're still going to attack teams, and still we're going to just use our talent and just -- and see what happens. SMITH (on camera): While no one is questioning their impressive resume, the Tar Heels run to Monday night has been one of historic ease. Never before has a team reached the NCAA championship game without having played a top four seed. But the Tar Heels will face their toughest challenge yet in Illinois.
Larry Smith, CNN, St. Louis.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WALLACE: OK, Chad. Putting you on the spot. Who do you like tonight?
MYERS: I have two words for you, Sean May. He will be the man. He will dominate, and the North Carolina Tar Heels will win by 7 points.
WALLACE: Well, prediction here, but there are those who say this is going to be Illinois' year.
MYERS: It will be a phenomenal game one way or the other. I am very looking forward to it.
WALLACE: You are. Did you watch on Saturday night?
MYERS: Every minute.
WALLACE: Every minute. All right.
MYERS: I even put it on TiVo so I could rewind and watch it again.
WALLACE: I love it. Well, I don't know, what do you think about this -- let me tell you about it.
Michigan State, as we know, will miss the final game after losing to North Carolina on Saturday. About 60 people were arrested in East Lansing, Michigan, after the Spartans' late night loss. Police say several officers were assaulted. They used tear gas to disperse the crowd after several hours.
But things were much calmer on campus last night after the Michigan State women's team won. Girl power there.
MYERS: All right.
WALLACE: They now advance to their own national championship.
I always hate hearing about violence after...
MYERS: Yes, and East...
WALLACE: ... victory or defeat.
MYERS: ... East Lansing can get a little bit tough after ballgames. They take things too serious up there. And actually, that was a little thing, a little skirmish, compared to some of the ones I saw when I was up there living in Detroit.
WALLACE: All right. Turning to the women's teams...
MYERS: Yes, congratulations...
(CROSSTALK)
WALLACE: ... who do you like? Yes, who do you like? Who are they going against? I don't even know.
MYERS: Couldn't tell you.
WALLACE: All right. All right. Well, wish them luck. Chad, we'll talk to you in a few minutes.
MYERS: OK.
WALLACE: After the break here on Monday's edition of DAYBREAK, more remembrances of Pope John Paul II. We will go live to Rome, where thousands are mourning a holy man who prayed for peace.
This is DAYBREAK. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired April 4, 2005 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Straight ahead on DAYBREAK, the world cardinals are expected to decide today on the funeral services for the shepherd of the Catholic Church. Also today, the public begins paying respects to the holy father.
This is Monday, April 4th, and you are watching DAYBREAK.
And good Monday morning to you. From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Kelly Wallace, in today for Carol Costello.
Now a look at some of the stories in the news.
The body of Pope John Paul II is expected to be moved from the Apostolic Palace to St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing today. The College of Cardinals is meeting at this hour to discuss funeral plans for the head of the world's one billion Catholics.
President Bush welcomes Ukrainian president Viktor Yuschenko to the White House in a little more than five hours. The two are expected to discuss the spread of democracy in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Simulated terrorist attacks will take place today in Connecticut and New Jersey. The drills involve chemical weapons and traditional explosive attacks. The $16 million exercise tests the nation's homeland security response.
And no traffic problems here. Many rivers and creeks in eastern and central Pennsylvania are spilling over their banks. Just take a look at those pictures. A state of emergency was declared in neighboring New Jersey due to heavy rains and flooding.
To Chad Myers at the weather center in Atlanta.
Good morning, Chad. Any relief in sight for those folks in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You know, a little bit today. But there's still some rain showers into parts of New York, also into Boston this morning.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WALLACE: All right, Chad. We'll check back with you in about 15 minutes or so. Thanks so much.
While millions mourn the pope, here is a look at what is happening in the days ahead.
John Paul's body, dressed in crimson and white vestments will be lying in state in St. Peter's Basilica today. Canon Law calls for his funeral to take place as early as Wednesday, as late as Friday.
The conclave of cardinals must start within 15 to 20 days of the pope's death to begin the process to select a new pope. Sunday the earliest possible date for the conclave.
And this will certainly be a very busy week at the Vatican. What happens next with the pope is governed by law or tradition. Little is left to chance.
Joining us now from Rome is Vatican expert Father Greg Apparcel.
Father, thanks for joining us. We understand there is a great deal of activity right now in St. Peter's Square. What is going on there?
REV. GREG APPARCEL, VATICAN EXPERT: Well, there's a lot of people gathering. They're clapping and they're singing. They're lining up. They're preparing for when they'll be able to go into the Basilica to view and pay their last respects to Pope John Paul II.
We don't know when that will be, but we hear it's possible at 5:00 p.m. It's now just after 11:00 a.m. here in Rome.
WALLACE: And, of course, Father, we know that the cardinals meeting today. The first time they're meeting since the pope's death on Saturday. What exactly will they be deciding behind closed doors today?
APPARCEL: OK. The general congregation of all the cardinals that are here in Rome, those who are over 80 who won't be able to vote, as well as those who are under 80, who will be able to vote, are deciding when the funeral will be for Pope John Paul, when the conclave will begin. They're also pledging that they will keep all these things -- all their discussions secret, except for the results of their decisions, about when the funeral will be.
They'll also be talking about choosing two theologians to give the meditations about the state of the Church and about careful discernment in choosing the next pope.
WALLACE: Now, we don't know, do we, Father, whether or not Pope John Paul II left any instructions on exactly where he would want to be buried, do we?
APPARCEL: No, but we should know that pretty soon, because at this meeting also will be read any instructions or letter that he wrote to the cardinals to be read out loud. And one of the things that he may have written is where he'd like to be buried.
The conjecture is possibly in the crypt below St. Peter's, near St. Peter's grave. Possibly in the place that was left vacant by Pope John XXIII when he was moved upstairs to the Basilica himself when he was beatified. Or possibly, he may want to be buried in his home in Krakow in Poland.
WALLACE: And as we're talking, Father, our viewers are looking at pictures, the Apostolic Palace, where Pope John Paul II lying in state. These are dignitaries and cardinals who were not able to view the body yesterday. Also, invited guests, journalists, including our own Alessio Vinci and Jim Bittermann, who we will be talking to throughout the day here on CNN.
What do you make, Father, of the fact that cameras were allowed to see this both yesterday and today, normally something that is private and not open to any cameras?
APPARCEL: Well, this was the choice of Pope John Paul II himself. And as a person who shared his life and his message with the world all of his life, as well as his dying, his suffering and his dying with the people, wanted to share these last moments with all of the people of the world as well. And so it's totally appropriate that this is the case.
WALLACE: And, of course, a lot of discussions and speculation about the future, who could become the successor to Pope John Paul II. But I heard one analyst talking about the conclave, saying no one can really be campaigning for the job, right? It would not be politically correct if you're out there campaigning for it.
APPARCEL: No. And I don't think that they would even want to do that. There may be, you know, private discussions going on which I wouldn't know about. But in terms of public campaigning, it's not like -- it's not like you're campaigning to win an Oscar or something like that, or a public office. It's just not done, nor would they want to.
WALLACE: All right. OK. Father Greg Apparcel joining us. We're going to talk to you throughout the morning here on DAYBREAK.
And again, we are expecting Pope John Paul II's body to be moved to St. Peter's Basilica. And that will be viewing open to the public sometime later this Monday.
Well, there has certainly been an outpouring of praise for the pope's legacy for leaders around the world. President Bush is expected to be at the pontiff's funeral, along with other heads of state. In a televised statement over the weekend, the president remembers the pope's leadership and his humility.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We will always remember the humble, wise and fearless priest who became one of history's great moral leaders.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WALLACE: The pope's life also touched so many average Americans. Millions of worshipers packed churches across the nation for special services on Sunday. St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City overflowed with more than 2,000 people. Speakers were set up outside the church to broadcast the mass for those who couldn't get in.
And in New Jersey, worshipers packed Newark's Sacred Heart Cathedral. On a trip to the United States back in 1995, the pope declared Sacred Heart a minor basilica, an honor given to churches of great beauty. He also celebrated mass at Giant Stadium, where more than 80,000 people turned out despite the pouring rain.
In Albany, New York, around 1,200 people said goodbye to the pope at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. One parishioner says the pope had a simple but inspiring message, "Love one another no matter who you are."
Many of you believe history will look very kindly upon the pope. John Paul II was chosen as pontiff in 1978 and led the Roman Catholic Church for more than 26 years. He also became the most traveled pope in history.
A new CNN-"USA TODAY"-Gallup poll of average Americans is out. It asks, "Will John Paul II go down in history as one of the greatest popes?" Sixty-seven percent of Catholics surveyed said yes, 31 percent say no.
And this morning we are asking you to share your thoughts on Pope John Paul II. Email us at DAYBREAK@CNN.com. Again, your thoughts on Pope John Paul II, his legacy, and all that he did during 26 years leading the Catholic Church.
Lighting candles, chanting prayers, shedding tears. Worshipers mourn the pope's passing. Later this hour, we'll take you to John Paul II's native land, where people are remembering their favorite son. We leave you now with some of the images of the faithful around the world.
You're watching DAYBREAK for a Monday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WALLACE: And welcome back to DAYBREAK.
You are watching as dignitaries, journalists, people pay their respects and say a final farewell to Pope John Paul II, lying in state now at the Apostolic Palace. His body to be moved today to St. Peter's Basilica, where the general public will be able to say their final good-byes.
Welcome back again.
We want to go now live to CNN's Richard Quest, who has been monitoring and watching the crowds gathering outside St. Peter's Square.
Richard, always great to see you. Are you starting to see the thousands and thousands flock to the square in honor of the pope?
RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Kelly. Yes, good morning from Rome. What we are now starting to see is groups of people waiting to find out when they will be allowed into the Basilica when the body is moved from the Clementine Hall, where it is currently being viewed by those dignitaries and journalists, into the Basilica, into the chapel there, where ordinary members of the public will get their chance to pay their final respects.
Now, St. Peter's Square is a vast area. You can see it over my shoulder. And to that extent, it can often be slightly deceptive, how many people are in there.
But if we move in, you can see one particular group of mourners, of pilgrims who, over the last 20 minutes or so, have been -- I hesitate to use the word "chanting," but there's been applause, there has been chanting, there has been general almost revivalist sentiment coming from the square. And what that is telling us is that, although this is a moment of huge sadness and mourning, it is also a moment of celebration of the life of John Paul II.
Rome has -- this part of Rome is pretty much ground to standstill, as you can imagine. And the authorities here are suggesting, Kelly, that over the next few days we could see up to two million people who have decided to make the trip, come to Rome, pay their respects, and wanted to be here, Kelly, for the funeral.
WALLACE: And that will pose, Richard, no doubt, a major, major security challenge for Italian authorities.
Richard, I know you've been out there and you've been talking to people who have been coming to St. Peter's Square. What is the -- what are you hearing from the people about why they felt they wanted to be there and what their hopes are for the future?
QUEST: Last night I was -- I arrived in Rome, I was in my hotel, I went out for a walk around, and it was a group of young American students who were staying in the hotel. They were on their way back to the United States. They'd done the semester in Europe business.
And what they said was they'd actually been at the Hard Rock Cafe when they'd heard that Pope John Paul II had passed away, and that then they felt the need to immediately come to St. Peter's Square just to be here. And they said, as many have told me since I've been in Rome, they were in Rome anyway. They were either tourists or they were students. But it was the need to come here, and for the Catholics it was to be part of a moment with their leader.
But, for non-Catholics alike, they also wanted to be here because, Kelly, this is an international moment of history. A pontiff after 26, 27 years, who's passed on, there are those of my generation who can only barely remember the last papal succession process. Many of those in the -- many of those in the crowd at the moment have no recollection of any other pope than John Paul II.
So, to come full circle, this moment of sadness tinged with moments of celebration and moments of anticipation as, of course, the conclave will meet in two weeks to discuss what comes next. Can I just, Kelly, take one moment just to update you with what we know is happening at the moment?
The College of Cardinals is meeting. They will be reviewing any last will and testament, any last requests of John Paul II. That will determine whether he is buried here at St. Peter's Basilica or whether he wished to be buried either in Krakow, where he was archbishop in Poland, or Wadowice, his native town where he was born. We expect to get an announcement on that.
We will get an announcement, we hope, on when the funeral will be held. It could be as early as Thursday. It might be later than Friday. And we will also find out how long he will lie in state for members of the public to pay their respects.
So there's plenty there for the cardinals to be considering. And as the day wares on, we will get more information on that.
WALLACE: Richard, thanks so much. We'll be looking at you and the rest of our colleagues in Rome for the answers about all those details you mentioned. Richard Quest reporting live from St. Peter's Square in Rome.
Well, your news, money, weather and sports. It's about almost 18 minutes after the hour. And here is what is all new this morning.
Two people remain hospitalized after an Amtrak passenger train derails in Washington State. About two dozen others suffered only minor injuries. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but workers hope to have the tracks cleared sometime today.
In money, a new report on airline quality says service is deteriorating. The study blames smaller work forces at most major airlines for the drop in quality. According to the report, only four carriers, AirTran, Atlantic Southeast, JetBlue and United improved service last year.
In culture, Barbra Streisand is set to begin work on a new album. The new music will be written and produced by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. The album is expected to hit stores in September.
In sports, outfielder Alex Sanchez of the Tamp Bay Devil Rays became the first player suspended under baseball's new steroid rules. He denies using any performance-enhancing drugs and blames the positive tests on something he bought over the counter. His 10-day suspension starts today.
So Chad again at the weather center.
Chad, what is it looking like for us today?
(WEATHER REPORT)
WALLACE: OK, Chad. Talk to you in a few minutes. Still to come here on this Monday edition of DAYBREAK, the homeland of Pope John Paul II and the extent of his Polish roots around the globe when we come back.
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WALLACE: And you know the song, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." The reason is Major League Baseball returning to the nation's capital for the first time in 34 years. The new Washington Nationals hosted the New York Mets in their final exhibition game. The Mets won 4-3. The Nationals host their first regular season game on April 14.
Well, turning now to another sport, 63 down and one to go. College basketball's March Madness has given way to April Enchantment and tonight's championship game. CNN's Larry Smith has a preview from St. Louis.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LARRY SMITH, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Number one versus number two, a championship match-up rarely seen in college basketball. Despite an impressive 32-4 record, North Carolina never claimed the top spot in the rankings because Illinois has been just as dominant, standing one victory shy of an NCAA record, 38 wins.
DERON WILLIAMS, ILLINOIS GUARD: I think it's the match-up that pretty much everybody wanted and everybody anticipated. So, you know, it's finally here, you know? And now we'll get to play it out.
SEAN MAY, NORTH CAROLINA FORWARD CENTER: If you're going to win, you want to beat the best. And, you know, they're probably thinking the same thing, that, you know, they're the number one team but some people look at them as the underdog.
BRUCE WEBER, ILLINOIS HEAD COACH: The basketball gods watched -- you know, looked over college basketball this year. And, you know, it's just a great scenario.
SMITH: Monday night is a contrast of styles. The Tar Heels are the nation's highest scoring team, losing only once when they reached 80 points. But the Illinois defense has allowed 70 points just four times all year, with a penchant of locking down its opponents at crunch time.
ROGER POWELL, ILLINOIS FORWARD: I think we'll be able to contain them. I think -- I mean, we take pride -- we take pride in our defense. I mean, that's something that we really focus on and we really enjoy, you know. And it's not very often that teams enjoy playing defense.
RAYMOND FELTON, NORTH CAROLINA GUARD: I mean, we played against a lot of great defensive teams this year, you know. And we're just going to still thrive on what we've been doing. You know, we're still going to attack teams, and still we're going to just use our talent and just -- and see what happens. SMITH (on camera): While no one is questioning their impressive resume, the Tar Heels run to Monday night has been one of historic ease. Never before has a team reached the NCAA championship game without having played a top four seed. But the Tar Heels will face their toughest challenge yet in Illinois.
Larry Smith, CNN, St. Louis.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WALLACE: OK, Chad. Putting you on the spot. Who do you like tonight?
MYERS: I have two words for you, Sean May. He will be the man. He will dominate, and the North Carolina Tar Heels will win by 7 points.
WALLACE: Well, prediction here, but there are those who say this is going to be Illinois' year.
MYERS: It will be a phenomenal game one way or the other. I am very looking forward to it.
WALLACE: You are. Did you watch on Saturday night?
MYERS: Every minute.
WALLACE: Every minute. All right.
MYERS: I even put it on TiVo so I could rewind and watch it again.
WALLACE: I love it. Well, I don't know, what do you think about this -- let me tell you about it.
Michigan State, as we know, will miss the final game after losing to North Carolina on Saturday. About 60 people were arrested in East Lansing, Michigan, after the Spartans' late night loss. Police say several officers were assaulted. They used tear gas to disperse the crowd after several hours.
But things were much calmer on campus last night after the Michigan State women's team won. Girl power there.
MYERS: All right.
WALLACE: They now advance to their own national championship.
I always hate hearing about violence after...
MYERS: Yes, and East...
WALLACE: ... victory or defeat.
MYERS: ... East Lansing can get a little bit tough after ballgames. They take things too serious up there. And actually, that was a little thing, a little skirmish, compared to some of the ones I saw when I was up there living in Detroit.
WALLACE: All right. Turning to the women's teams...
MYERS: Yes, congratulations...
(CROSSTALK)
WALLACE: ... who do you like? Yes, who do you like? Who are they going against? I don't even know.
MYERS: Couldn't tell you.
WALLACE: All right. All right. Well, wish them luck. Chad, we'll talk to you in a few minutes.
MYERS: OK.
WALLACE: After the break here on Monday's edition of DAYBREAK, more remembrances of Pope John Paul II. We will go live to Rome, where thousands are mourning a holy man who prayed for peace.
This is DAYBREAK. We'll be right back.
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