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American Morning
Pope John Paul II's Funeral Set for 4:00 a.m. ET Friday
Aired April 04, 2005 - 09:30 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.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Let's get back to Rome now and Bill Hemmer. Hello, Bill.
Bill, can you hear me? Obviously, we're having some technical issues with Bill. Hopefully we'll get him back up soon.
Let's go to Chris Burns in Krakow now to see how they are honoring the pope in his native Poland.
Chris, hello.
CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Carol.
The newspapers are full of pictures of the pope. This one saying "Goodbye, Father." And that really sums up what most people are feeling here as they have lost not only their pope, but in many ways their father, the man who led them like Moses out of the Red Sea of communism, and that's why many thousands of people are passing by at the Apostolic residence to give their respects to an empty window, a window where the pope had spoken and sung from so many times throughout the years and given them that guidance that they needed to become a democracy. It is a sea of candles. The air is pungent with the smell of burning candles. Flowers are just decking that building and messages to them, and they're just brimming over the sidewalk and into the street as these thousands of people are here.
Across Poland we're seeing this. In Warsaw yesterday we saw 100,000 people turn up for a mass there. Hundreds of thousands more are expected once again at that same square in his hometown of Vadavise (ph). There was yet another mass this morning. Many of those people were baptized by the pope, and that's why they have such intimate memories of that man.
And in the hills of Zacopany (ph) where the pope went to his retreats to go skiing and hiking when he was more athletic, younger man, people also honored him there. In fact, there were bonfires that burned there as the pope left for the last time in 2002 as they told him goodbye.
So, really, an incredible scene of mourning here throughout the country. It's a week-long mourning period, and I'd like to give you that one quote from Roycheck Yamazowski (ph), the general who instituted marshal law back in 1981 during the communist era, threw people in jail, like Leklewenza (ph) and other leaders of the solidarity trade movement, and he today said that the pope is the greatest man of contemporary Polish and world history -- Carol. COSTELLO: Chris, a question for you. We found out earlier that the pope will be buried in Italy, in Rome after all. And I know that must be a blow to the people of Poland.
BURNS: Well, a lot of people had been hoping, and are still wishing, that at least a part of the pope be buried here. In fact, the mayor of Krakow here has called for the pope's heart to be buried at Grago (ph) Castle, for example, which is very close to here, a beautiful castle on the top of the hill where the bodies of the kings of Poland are buried. Many people consider him to be their king.
And keep in mind that the composer Frederic Chopin, his heart is buried here. His body is in Paris, but his heart is here. So that's why there's a lot of people are arguing in that direction. However, one of the polish cardinals gave a reality check today and said, really, that's not going to happen -- Carol.
COSTELLO: You know, I'll ask Bill Hemmer just to make sure, but I don't think it's going to happen either. Chris Burns live in Krakow, Poland this morning, thank you.
Now back to Rome and Bill.
Bill, that question about the pope's heart being buried in Poland and the rest of his body buried in Rome, that won't happen, will it?
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Well, we've heard reports for the past several days, Carol, that that could be a possibility, but it's important to stress, the Vatican has said nothing about this. And as you well know at this point, Carol, unless the Vatican says that, it's not going to happen.
What is interesting to note, though, is that earlier today we reported there was no papal will filed when it comes to the burial for Pope John Paul II. And because of that, there was no request filed apparently to be buried back in Poland, so his body will remain here at St. Peter's Basilica.
As far as the other question about whether his heart or a body part could be transferred to Poland and buried possibly in the southern mountains of Poland, or in the town of Krakow, where he became archbishop in 1964, nothing like that has even been spoken from the Vatican. So we'll hold off on the possibility of that happening for now.
One thing that we know will happen, Carol, with regard to Poland is that they do expect the largest contingent of pilgrims to come from Poland throughout the week here as we build toward the funeral that we now know will take place on Friday.
One of the people here is an Australian by the name of Meg Fields. She came here with her husband. First trip to Rome, and she's my guest now to share with our viewers at home. A little bit of your experience here, you've been here for several days. You were in the square on Saturday night when they announced the death of Pope John Paul II. At that point, and since then, can you give us a sense of the feeling that you've gotten here in Rome?
MEG FIELDS: Yes, Bill, well, as I explained, we aren't Catholics, but we just happened to be here joining a tour on Saturday, and we arrived several hours before the bells started to toll, and we felt that we wanted to go to St. Peter's Square, and we joined the crowd there, which was just an amazing, amazing feeling.
HEMMER: You say you are not Catholic, but yet this in is still moving to you. In what way is that happening, Meg?
FIELDS: Well, he has obviously been a very, very important figure to a lot of people in the world, and the fact that we happen to be here by sheer coincidence, we just felt that it was a moment in history that we had to experience.
HEMMER: What is your impression of the people? What's your impression of the crowds that you come across.
FIELDS: Well, the crowds on Saturday night were -- although it was a huge crowd, very quiet, very respectful. A lot of young people, or teenagers, obviously, very, moved by his death, who've obviously have been touched by him during his life.
HEMMER: It's been a heck of a trip for you, hasn't it?
FIELDS: It has, so far.
HEMMER: Enjoy it, OK?
FIELDS: Thank you very much.
Meg Fields, an Australian with her husband, touring here in Rome, Italy. We're about an hour away from the public procession. We'll see Pope John Paul II's body being removed from the palace where it's been for the past several days, taken through St. Peter's Square, and that should be quite a moment here in Vatican City. We'll be here to watch, too. See you again in a couple of minutes, Carol.
Back to you, carol in New York.
COSTELLO: That will be a dramatic moment. Thank you, Bill.
Let's get a check on the other headlines this morning with Kelly Wallace. Good morning.
KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning again to you, and good morning, everyone.
Here are some of the other stories in the news. We begin with the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. We are being informed it is being pushed back by one day. The ceremony had been set for Friday, but that's the same day as we have been reporting this morning of the funeral for Pope John Paul II. A spokesman says Prince Charles will attend the pope's funeral. Camilla Parker Bowles will not. And again, their wedding will take place on Saturday. Carol, we'll have more on this story just ahead. News now about President Bush. He is set to award the first Medal of Honor for actions since the Vietnam War. It will be given to Sergeant First Class Paul Smith. He was killed exactly two years ago in a battle for control of Baghdad's airport. The sergeant's 11-year- old son will accept the medal at a White House ceremony this afternoon.
Dozens of state and national agencies will take part in what's being called the country's biggest anti-terror drill. The $16 million exercise will simulate a bioterror attack in New Jersey, and a chemical weapons attack in Connecticut. The drill is expected to be so realistic, New Jersey's governor says he's worried some people might think the country is really under attack.
And some of Michael Jackson's fans say they plan to hold a vigil before court resumes today. The show of support comes as prosecutors begin a new phase in the child-molestation trial. They'll present evidence they say shows the pop star has a history of improper behavior with young boys. At least one of five boys alleging abuse is expected to take the stand.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Back here in Rome, want to get back with John Allen, CNN Vatican analyst, author of many books as well.
JOHN ALLEN, CNN VATICAN ANALYST: Well, the first thing we need to say, Bill, is the trash heaps of history are littered with the carcasses of those who have tried to predict the next pope. This is a hazardous business. This is not like secular politics, where you've got polls, or campaign war chests to evaluate. All you've got really are past historical patterns that we can make educated guesswork from. That's all this is.
But I think, having said that, there are perhaps some names we can toss out as men that certainly will get a look when the cardinals gather to cast this momentous vote. I think probably the first name by universal consensus would be Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who is a German, has been the pope's chief doctrinal official for almost 20 years -- for over 20 years actually, and is somebody who is seen as erudite, spiritual, cosmopolitan, I mean, pretty much the whole package, and also the gravitas.
The one problem with that, Bill, is that because he's been at the helm for so long, he's made friends and he's made some enemies.
Now, I think another person we could look at to sort of go outside the world of the Vatican would be Cardinal Angelo Scola in Venice. Remember that Venice in the 20th century gave us three popes. And Scola is someone who has been the rector of the Lateran university here. People know he's a great administrator, but he's also got a good pastoral touch, very much a theologian student, student of one of the best theologians of the 20th century, (INAUDIBLE).
Let's move even farther afield. Let's go into Latin America. A lot of people think a pope from the developing world would be a forward-looking choice. In Brazil, in Sao Paulo, there's a cardinal by the name of Claudio Hummes, who is a Franciscan. He's seen as a unifier, seen as Someone who is real passionate in social justice work, trying to make the church relevant to the need for the poor.
Also down south, so to speak, could be Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who is the cardinal of Buenos Aires, in Argentina, a very spiritual man, someone who also has a terrific pastoral gift.
HEMMER: Hang on one second, I'm sorry. We said the city was getting crowded. Indeed it is. Continue now.
ALLEN: He's a Jesuit. During the Argentinian financial crisis, he was seen as somebody who really kind of helped lead that society forward. One nice thing about him, Bill, he's also a very simple man. When he became cardinal of Buenes Aires, he sold off the limousine, and he takes the bus tour.
And then, finally, a choice that I think would in some ways really captivate the imagination of the world would be Cardinal Francis Arinze, who is a Nigerian, and he's a man who turns the world on with his smile. He is funny. He is engaging. He also has some very rock solid conservative doctrinal stands, but he's not the kind of guy that sort of makes that the first thing you talk about, and he's also been here in Rome for more than 20 years, so he's seen as someone who knows the world of the Vatican and could get his hands around it fairly easily.
Let me say this, I am not here to tell you one of these five guys is going to be pope. What I will say is they reflect the kind of qualities, backgrounds and attributes that I think cardinals will be looking for among those 117 brother cardinals when they have to cast a vote.
HEMMER: Somebody is going to get the job.
ALLEN: Somebody has to get the job.
HEMMER: John Allen, we'll talk again a bit later today.
Behind me, Carol, I just want to point this out, looking through binoculars a short time ago. There's a large crowd now gathering in St. Peter's Square. Apparently word is now spreading that this public procession will take place in about an hour's time through St. Peter's Square. Some of the descriptions we're getting from some of our correspondents working there is there is somewhat of a mayhem scenario and environment developing there. But a lot of people trying to get this opportunity. So we're going to watch that from here, and let you know what we find out.
The city starting to fill up, Carol. I think you can probably tell that from the sounds behind us as well.
COSTELLO: Absolutely. I just want to clarify. When the pope's body is moved from the chapel into the basilica, for a short time it will be outside, right? HEMMER: Indeed, it will, yes, it will be right there in the middle of St. Peter's Square. This is the same area where the pope was shot in 1981. It's the same area where they take the Pope-Mobile through almost on a weekly basis for a mass here in St. Peter's Square. That is the location where they will take the pope. We believe they'll be walking with his body around the square, and then in through the front doors, the main doors, into St. Peter's Basilica.
COSTELLO: That's why so many people are gathering.
Bill Hemmer, thanks.
Prince Charles' wedding is being put on hold because of the papal funeral. There was actually a question about that. What it means, next on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: And welcome back to AMERICAN MORNING.
New developments in the Prince Charles/Camilla Parker Bowles wedding. Just a few minutes ago, it was announced the couple will postpone their wedding for one day. Charles and Camilla were supposed to be married on Friday, but because of the pope's funeral, they're moving their wedding to Saturday.
Simon Perry is deputy London bureau chief for "People" magazine.
Welcome, Simon.
SIMON PERRY, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Good morning, Carol.
COSTELLO: It seem like this would be an easy decision. Why was it so long in coming?
PERRY: Well, Prince Charles was skiing and he's been flying back this morning for a special service this afternoon. And I suppose as soon as they announced that the funeral was going to be on Friday, I don't think there was much doubt that Prince Charles would be postponing his wedding for a short period. Apart from anything else, the archbishop of Canterbury, who is going to be blessing him, and Tony Blair, the prime minister, will both be at the funeral. And Prince Charles, I'm sure, wants to be at the funeral as well. I suppose it became inevitable.
COSTELLO: Do you think Prince Charles will go to the funeral? And will he bring Camilla Parker Bowles?
PERRY: I understand he's going to the funeral, yes, but he's not taking Miss Parker Bowles, no. Both of them are going to a special service in London this evening at the Westminster Cathedral, but Miss Parker Bowles won't be going to the funeral, no.
COSTELLO: This wedding seems to be plagued by problems, because you know, the queen...
PERRY: Yes, it has.
COSTELLO: It has.
Princess Diana always said there were three people in the relationship. Well, here vibe still seems to sort of be around.
PERRY: Yes, yes, there's one thing you can't escape, even while these two are getting married. There's also the specter there of Diana. You can't help but think of her when you see Prince Charles and Camilla tying the knot after all this time. And there's no doubt there will be a lot of people making comparisons between the two weddings and so on, and there will be her two sons as well standing by them as they walk out of the townhall where they are getting married now on Saturday, and there will be a living image, as it were, of Diana there as well.
COSTELLO: Are people into this wedding?
PERRY: Not in the same way, obviously, as past weddings. I feel there's a certain amount of, yes, we don't mind if they get married, but no, we don't really necessarily have to see it, or take part in it, or have street parties and other sort of raising a glass of champagne to them, or anything like that. It's a much more muted occasion.
COSTELLO: Simon, I remember when Diana and Charles got married, everybody had the day off of work in Britain. This time that's not so.
PERRY: Well, I suppose at least this time it's on a Saturday now from the circumstances of today, but generally, no, there wasn't going to be a holiday, and I'm sure a lot of people will be watching football, and sports and various other things on Saturday, rather than tuning in to watch the wedding. But that's not to say it's not an important occasion, because it is, and it's another milestone in Prince Charles' rather troubled life, which I'm sure he's beginning to think would at least take a turn for some happiness at long last.
COSTELLO: And I know a lot of people feel that way as well.
I was just wondering, will any photographers be allowed inside the wedding ceremony itself to take pictures? I mean, how will that work out?
PERRY: At the moment, there isn't going to be any photographic access to the ceremony itself where they say their "I do's." There may be some private photographs taken. I wouldn't be surprised, like every other couple in the world. And perhaps we'll see those. But at the moment, there's no talk of them being available.
We won't get to see them until they walk out of the door at the Guild's (ph) Hall door on Saturday afternoon and then later on at the blessing at the chapel, there will be some TV footage, photographs and so on. So I suppose the world will have a good look at them then.
COSTELLO: Simon Perry, deputy London chief for "People" magazine. Thank you for joining us this morning.
More of our special live coverage from Rome in just a moment. Paying final respects to Pope John Paul II. Stay with us on this "AMERICAN MORNING."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: 9:53 Eastern time. Welcome back. It's time to check in with Jack and the "Question of the Day."
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Carol. The question is this: "In which direction should a new pope guide the Catholic Church?"
John in Japan writes, from a place called Camp Zama: "I am not so arrogant as to believe God listens to polls. The Holy Spirit will continue to guide the church on her course, regardless of who sits in the chair of Peter."
Dean in New Jersey: "I think the new pope should radically alter the church's stance on birth control, encouraging birth control, rather than discouraging it. Would go a long way in reducing poverty and enabling peace and stability, especially in underdeveloped countries."
And Andrew in Pennsylvania writes: "The seat of Peter is not a political office. Many Catholics in the United States are confused, thinking that with a new pope comes hope for a more modern church. The only platform which John Paul II stood on was truth. This objective truth will not change with our next pope, now or ever."
COSTELLO: Interesting.
CAFFERTY: Thank you for your responses.
COSTELLO: Absolutely interesting this morning. Thank you, Jack.
If you want to rat out a tax cheat, the IRS wants to hear from you. With that story and early action on Wall Street, Andy Serwer is here "Minding Your Business."
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" COLUMNIST: And who wouldn't want to rat out a tax cheat? I know you would.
COSTELLO: Of course. I'm an honest citizen.
SERWER: All right. Let's talk about the markets. First of all, stocks trading lower at this hour. It's all about oil on Wall Street. The price of oil hitting a new record, Dow down 15. You can see here, $58 a barrel.
Also in the oil patch in this morning, Chevron Texaco, the number two oil producer -- number one, of course, is Exxon Mobil -- is buying Unocal, that's the number nine oil producer, for $16 billion. So a pretty big deal there.
I should also point out, Carol, that the Fortune 500 is out today. That list put out by the magazine where I work, and Wal-Mart is again the number one company in the USA.
COSTELLO: What a surprise.
SERWER: $288 billion in sales. Let's talk about the rat line. This is the hotline the IRS has, where you can call up and rat out tax cheats. It sounds like a good idea and 294,000 people called last year, trying to rat out tax cheats, but the IRS says most often, it's people who have feuds and vendettas and want to rat out neighbors they don't like who really aren't tax cheats, but they just don't like them.
COSTELLO: Or maybe an ex-husband or two.
SERWER: An ex-husband -- you know, the IRS says they don't get a lot of leads this way. But, it's interesting, I thought -- I didn't know this, that if you actually do rat out someone who proves to be a tax cheat, you can get a reward ranging from one percent of the amount, up to $10 million.
COSTELLO: Nuh-uh!
SERWER: Isn't that cool? So if you really do know someone who's a major tax fraud, and the IRS prosecutes them and they recover all this money, you can get some.
COSTELLO: That's amazing.
SERWER: But most people just get ticked off with the neighbor.
COSTELLO: I'm going to check into the tax records of my friends.
SERWER: Yes. Oh, nice.
COSTELLO: No, I'm just kidding.
SERWER: See, I told you were going...
COSTELLO: Thank you, Andy.
SERWER: You're welcome.
COSTELLO: Our morning here in Rome is not over yet. Actually, we're going to go back to Rome for bill and we're going to bid you adieu, because that does it for us. So we hope you have a great morning. Now back to Bill in Rome.
HEMMER: Carol, thanks. We'll see you all again tomorrow. Our coverage, though, continues live in Rome right after this. We'll be back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired April 4, 2005 - 09:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Let's get back to Rome now and Bill Hemmer. Hello, Bill.
Bill, can you hear me? Obviously, we're having some technical issues with Bill. Hopefully we'll get him back up soon.
Let's go to Chris Burns in Krakow now to see how they are honoring the pope in his native Poland.
Chris, hello.
CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Carol.
The newspapers are full of pictures of the pope. This one saying "Goodbye, Father." And that really sums up what most people are feeling here as they have lost not only their pope, but in many ways their father, the man who led them like Moses out of the Red Sea of communism, and that's why many thousands of people are passing by at the Apostolic residence to give their respects to an empty window, a window where the pope had spoken and sung from so many times throughout the years and given them that guidance that they needed to become a democracy. It is a sea of candles. The air is pungent with the smell of burning candles. Flowers are just decking that building and messages to them, and they're just brimming over the sidewalk and into the street as these thousands of people are here.
Across Poland we're seeing this. In Warsaw yesterday we saw 100,000 people turn up for a mass there. Hundreds of thousands more are expected once again at that same square in his hometown of Vadavise (ph). There was yet another mass this morning. Many of those people were baptized by the pope, and that's why they have such intimate memories of that man.
And in the hills of Zacopany (ph) where the pope went to his retreats to go skiing and hiking when he was more athletic, younger man, people also honored him there. In fact, there were bonfires that burned there as the pope left for the last time in 2002 as they told him goodbye.
So, really, an incredible scene of mourning here throughout the country. It's a week-long mourning period, and I'd like to give you that one quote from Roycheck Yamazowski (ph), the general who instituted marshal law back in 1981 during the communist era, threw people in jail, like Leklewenza (ph) and other leaders of the solidarity trade movement, and he today said that the pope is the greatest man of contemporary Polish and world history -- Carol. COSTELLO: Chris, a question for you. We found out earlier that the pope will be buried in Italy, in Rome after all. And I know that must be a blow to the people of Poland.
BURNS: Well, a lot of people had been hoping, and are still wishing, that at least a part of the pope be buried here. In fact, the mayor of Krakow here has called for the pope's heart to be buried at Grago (ph) Castle, for example, which is very close to here, a beautiful castle on the top of the hill where the bodies of the kings of Poland are buried. Many people consider him to be their king.
And keep in mind that the composer Frederic Chopin, his heart is buried here. His body is in Paris, but his heart is here. So that's why there's a lot of people are arguing in that direction. However, one of the polish cardinals gave a reality check today and said, really, that's not going to happen -- Carol.
COSTELLO: You know, I'll ask Bill Hemmer just to make sure, but I don't think it's going to happen either. Chris Burns live in Krakow, Poland this morning, thank you.
Now back to Rome and Bill.
Bill, that question about the pope's heart being buried in Poland and the rest of his body buried in Rome, that won't happen, will it?
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Well, we've heard reports for the past several days, Carol, that that could be a possibility, but it's important to stress, the Vatican has said nothing about this. And as you well know at this point, Carol, unless the Vatican says that, it's not going to happen.
What is interesting to note, though, is that earlier today we reported there was no papal will filed when it comes to the burial for Pope John Paul II. And because of that, there was no request filed apparently to be buried back in Poland, so his body will remain here at St. Peter's Basilica.
As far as the other question about whether his heart or a body part could be transferred to Poland and buried possibly in the southern mountains of Poland, or in the town of Krakow, where he became archbishop in 1964, nothing like that has even been spoken from the Vatican. So we'll hold off on the possibility of that happening for now.
One thing that we know will happen, Carol, with regard to Poland is that they do expect the largest contingent of pilgrims to come from Poland throughout the week here as we build toward the funeral that we now know will take place on Friday.
One of the people here is an Australian by the name of Meg Fields. She came here with her husband. First trip to Rome, and she's my guest now to share with our viewers at home. A little bit of your experience here, you've been here for several days. You were in the square on Saturday night when they announced the death of Pope John Paul II. At that point, and since then, can you give us a sense of the feeling that you've gotten here in Rome?
MEG FIELDS: Yes, Bill, well, as I explained, we aren't Catholics, but we just happened to be here joining a tour on Saturday, and we arrived several hours before the bells started to toll, and we felt that we wanted to go to St. Peter's Square, and we joined the crowd there, which was just an amazing, amazing feeling.
HEMMER: You say you are not Catholic, but yet this in is still moving to you. In what way is that happening, Meg?
FIELDS: Well, he has obviously been a very, very important figure to a lot of people in the world, and the fact that we happen to be here by sheer coincidence, we just felt that it was a moment in history that we had to experience.
HEMMER: What is your impression of the people? What's your impression of the crowds that you come across.
FIELDS: Well, the crowds on Saturday night were -- although it was a huge crowd, very quiet, very respectful. A lot of young people, or teenagers, obviously, very, moved by his death, who've obviously have been touched by him during his life.
HEMMER: It's been a heck of a trip for you, hasn't it?
FIELDS: It has, so far.
HEMMER: Enjoy it, OK?
FIELDS: Thank you very much.
Meg Fields, an Australian with her husband, touring here in Rome, Italy. We're about an hour away from the public procession. We'll see Pope John Paul II's body being removed from the palace where it's been for the past several days, taken through St. Peter's Square, and that should be quite a moment here in Vatican City. We'll be here to watch, too. See you again in a couple of minutes, Carol.
Back to you, carol in New York.
COSTELLO: That will be a dramatic moment. Thank you, Bill.
Let's get a check on the other headlines this morning with Kelly Wallace. Good morning.
KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning again to you, and good morning, everyone.
Here are some of the other stories in the news. We begin with the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. We are being informed it is being pushed back by one day. The ceremony had been set for Friday, but that's the same day as we have been reporting this morning of the funeral for Pope John Paul II. A spokesman says Prince Charles will attend the pope's funeral. Camilla Parker Bowles will not. And again, their wedding will take place on Saturday. Carol, we'll have more on this story just ahead. News now about President Bush. He is set to award the first Medal of Honor for actions since the Vietnam War. It will be given to Sergeant First Class Paul Smith. He was killed exactly two years ago in a battle for control of Baghdad's airport. The sergeant's 11-year- old son will accept the medal at a White House ceremony this afternoon.
Dozens of state and national agencies will take part in what's being called the country's biggest anti-terror drill. The $16 million exercise will simulate a bioterror attack in New Jersey, and a chemical weapons attack in Connecticut. The drill is expected to be so realistic, New Jersey's governor says he's worried some people might think the country is really under attack.
And some of Michael Jackson's fans say they plan to hold a vigil before court resumes today. The show of support comes as prosecutors begin a new phase in the child-molestation trial. They'll present evidence they say shows the pop star has a history of improper behavior with young boys. At least one of five boys alleging abuse is expected to take the stand.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Back here in Rome, want to get back with John Allen, CNN Vatican analyst, author of many books as well.
JOHN ALLEN, CNN VATICAN ANALYST: Well, the first thing we need to say, Bill, is the trash heaps of history are littered with the carcasses of those who have tried to predict the next pope. This is a hazardous business. This is not like secular politics, where you've got polls, or campaign war chests to evaluate. All you've got really are past historical patterns that we can make educated guesswork from. That's all this is.
But I think, having said that, there are perhaps some names we can toss out as men that certainly will get a look when the cardinals gather to cast this momentous vote. I think probably the first name by universal consensus would be Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who is a German, has been the pope's chief doctrinal official for almost 20 years -- for over 20 years actually, and is somebody who is seen as erudite, spiritual, cosmopolitan, I mean, pretty much the whole package, and also the gravitas.
The one problem with that, Bill, is that because he's been at the helm for so long, he's made friends and he's made some enemies.
Now, I think another person we could look at to sort of go outside the world of the Vatican would be Cardinal Angelo Scola in Venice. Remember that Venice in the 20th century gave us three popes. And Scola is someone who has been the rector of the Lateran university here. People know he's a great administrator, but he's also got a good pastoral touch, very much a theologian student, student of one of the best theologians of the 20th century, (INAUDIBLE).
Let's move even farther afield. Let's go into Latin America. A lot of people think a pope from the developing world would be a forward-looking choice. In Brazil, in Sao Paulo, there's a cardinal by the name of Claudio Hummes, who is a Franciscan. He's seen as a unifier, seen as Someone who is real passionate in social justice work, trying to make the church relevant to the need for the poor.
Also down south, so to speak, could be Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who is the cardinal of Buenos Aires, in Argentina, a very spiritual man, someone who also has a terrific pastoral gift.
HEMMER: Hang on one second, I'm sorry. We said the city was getting crowded. Indeed it is. Continue now.
ALLEN: He's a Jesuit. During the Argentinian financial crisis, he was seen as somebody who really kind of helped lead that society forward. One nice thing about him, Bill, he's also a very simple man. When he became cardinal of Buenes Aires, he sold off the limousine, and he takes the bus tour.
And then, finally, a choice that I think would in some ways really captivate the imagination of the world would be Cardinal Francis Arinze, who is a Nigerian, and he's a man who turns the world on with his smile. He is funny. He is engaging. He also has some very rock solid conservative doctrinal stands, but he's not the kind of guy that sort of makes that the first thing you talk about, and he's also been here in Rome for more than 20 years, so he's seen as someone who knows the world of the Vatican and could get his hands around it fairly easily.
Let me say this, I am not here to tell you one of these five guys is going to be pope. What I will say is they reflect the kind of qualities, backgrounds and attributes that I think cardinals will be looking for among those 117 brother cardinals when they have to cast a vote.
HEMMER: Somebody is going to get the job.
ALLEN: Somebody has to get the job.
HEMMER: John Allen, we'll talk again a bit later today.
Behind me, Carol, I just want to point this out, looking through binoculars a short time ago. There's a large crowd now gathering in St. Peter's Square. Apparently word is now spreading that this public procession will take place in about an hour's time through St. Peter's Square. Some of the descriptions we're getting from some of our correspondents working there is there is somewhat of a mayhem scenario and environment developing there. But a lot of people trying to get this opportunity. So we're going to watch that from here, and let you know what we find out.
The city starting to fill up, Carol. I think you can probably tell that from the sounds behind us as well.
COSTELLO: Absolutely. I just want to clarify. When the pope's body is moved from the chapel into the basilica, for a short time it will be outside, right? HEMMER: Indeed, it will, yes, it will be right there in the middle of St. Peter's Square. This is the same area where the pope was shot in 1981. It's the same area where they take the Pope-Mobile through almost on a weekly basis for a mass here in St. Peter's Square. That is the location where they will take the pope. We believe they'll be walking with his body around the square, and then in through the front doors, the main doors, into St. Peter's Basilica.
COSTELLO: That's why so many people are gathering.
Bill Hemmer, thanks.
Prince Charles' wedding is being put on hold because of the papal funeral. There was actually a question about that. What it means, next on AMERICAN MORNING.
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COSTELLO: And welcome back to AMERICAN MORNING.
New developments in the Prince Charles/Camilla Parker Bowles wedding. Just a few minutes ago, it was announced the couple will postpone their wedding for one day. Charles and Camilla were supposed to be married on Friday, but because of the pope's funeral, they're moving their wedding to Saturday.
Simon Perry is deputy London bureau chief for "People" magazine.
Welcome, Simon.
SIMON PERRY, "PEOPLE" MAGAZINE: Good morning, Carol.
COSTELLO: It seem like this would be an easy decision. Why was it so long in coming?
PERRY: Well, Prince Charles was skiing and he's been flying back this morning for a special service this afternoon. And I suppose as soon as they announced that the funeral was going to be on Friday, I don't think there was much doubt that Prince Charles would be postponing his wedding for a short period. Apart from anything else, the archbishop of Canterbury, who is going to be blessing him, and Tony Blair, the prime minister, will both be at the funeral. And Prince Charles, I'm sure, wants to be at the funeral as well. I suppose it became inevitable.
COSTELLO: Do you think Prince Charles will go to the funeral? And will he bring Camilla Parker Bowles?
PERRY: I understand he's going to the funeral, yes, but he's not taking Miss Parker Bowles, no. Both of them are going to a special service in London this evening at the Westminster Cathedral, but Miss Parker Bowles won't be going to the funeral, no.
COSTELLO: This wedding seems to be plagued by problems, because you know, the queen...
PERRY: Yes, it has.
COSTELLO: It has.
Princess Diana always said there were three people in the relationship. Well, here vibe still seems to sort of be around.
PERRY: Yes, yes, there's one thing you can't escape, even while these two are getting married. There's also the specter there of Diana. You can't help but think of her when you see Prince Charles and Camilla tying the knot after all this time. And there's no doubt there will be a lot of people making comparisons between the two weddings and so on, and there will be her two sons as well standing by them as they walk out of the townhall where they are getting married now on Saturday, and there will be a living image, as it were, of Diana there as well.
COSTELLO: Are people into this wedding?
PERRY: Not in the same way, obviously, as past weddings. I feel there's a certain amount of, yes, we don't mind if they get married, but no, we don't really necessarily have to see it, or take part in it, or have street parties and other sort of raising a glass of champagne to them, or anything like that. It's a much more muted occasion.
COSTELLO: Simon, I remember when Diana and Charles got married, everybody had the day off of work in Britain. This time that's not so.
PERRY: Well, I suppose at least this time it's on a Saturday now from the circumstances of today, but generally, no, there wasn't going to be a holiday, and I'm sure a lot of people will be watching football, and sports and various other things on Saturday, rather than tuning in to watch the wedding. But that's not to say it's not an important occasion, because it is, and it's another milestone in Prince Charles' rather troubled life, which I'm sure he's beginning to think would at least take a turn for some happiness at long last.
COSTELLO: And I know a lot of people feel that way as well.
I was just wondering, will any photographers be allowed inside the wedding ceremony itself to take pictures? I mean, how will that work out?
PERRY: At the moment, there isn't going to be any photographic access to the ceremony itself where they say their "I do's." There may be some private photographs taken. I wouldn't be surprised, like every other couple in the world. And perhaps we'll see those. But at the moment, there's no talk of them being available.
We won't get to see them until they walk out of the door at the Guild's (ph) Hall door on Saturday afternoon and then later on at the blessing at the chapel, there will be some TV footage, photographs and so on. So I suppose the world will have a good look at them then.
COSTELLO: Simon Perry, deputy London chief for "People" magazine. Thank you for joining us this morning.
More of our special live coverage from Rome in just a moment. Paying final respects to Pope John Paul II. Stay with us on this "AMERICAN MORNING."
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COSTELLO: 9:53 Eastern time. Welcome back. It's time to check in with Jack and the "Question of the Day."
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks, Carol. The question is this: "In which direction should a new pope guide the Catholic Church?"
John in Japan writes, from a place called Camp Zama: "I am not so arrogant as to believe God listens to polls. The Holy Spirit will continue to guide the church on her course, regardless of who sits in the chair of Peter."
Dean in New Jersey: "I think the new pope should radically alter the church's stance on birth control, encouraging birth control, rather than discouraging it. Would go a long way in reducing poverty and enabling peace and stability, especially in underdeveloped countries."
And Andrew in Pennsylvania writes: "The seat of Peter is not a political office. Many Catholics in the United States are confused, thinking that with a new pope comes hope for a more modern church. The only platform which John Paul II stood on was truth. This objective truth will not change with our next pope, now or ever."
COSTELLO: Interesting.
CAFFERTY: Thank you for your responses.
COSTELLO: Absolutely interesting this morning. Thank you, Jack.
If you want to rat out a tax cheat, the IRS wants to hear from you. With that story and early action on Wall Street, Andy Serwer is here "Minding Your Business."
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" COLUMNIST: And who wouldn't want to rat out a tax cheat? I know you would.
COSTELLO: Of course. I'm an honest citizen.
SERWER: All right. Let's talk about the markets. First of all, stocks trading lower at this hour. It's all about oil on Wall Street. The price of oil hitting a new record, Dow down 15. You can see here, $58 a barrel.
Also in the oil patch in this morning, Chevron Texaco, the number two oil producer -- number one, of course, is Exxon Mobil -- is buying Unocal, that's the number nine oil producer, for $16 billion. So a pretty big deal there.
I should also point out, Carol, that the Fortune 500 is out today. That list put out by the magazine where I work, and Wal-Mart is again the number one company in the USA.
COSTELLO: What a surprise.
SERWER: $288 billion in sales. Let's talk about the rat line. This is the hotline the IRS has, where you can call up and rat out tax cheats. It sounds like a good idea and 294,000 people called last year, trying to rat out tax cheats, but the IRS says most often, it's people who have feuds and vendettas and want to rat out neighbors they don't like who really aren't tax cheats, but they just don't like them.
COSTELLO: Or maybe an ex-husband or two.
SERWER: An ex-husband -- you know, the IRS says they don't get a lot of leads this way. But, it's interesting, I thought -- I didn't know this, that if you actually do rat out someone who proves to be a tax cheat, you can get a reward ranging from one percent of the amount, up to $10 million.
COSTELLO: Nuh-uh!
SERWER: Isn't that cool? So if you really do know someone who's a major tax fraud, and the IRS prosecutes them and they recover all this money, you can get some.
COSTELLO: That's amazing.
SERWER: But most people just get ticked off with the neighbor.
COSTELLO: I'm going to check into the tax records of my friends.
SERWER: Yes. Oh, nice.
COSTELLO: No, I'm just kidding.
SERWER: See, I told you were going...
COSTELLO: Thank you, Andy.
SERWER: You're welcome.
COSTELLO: Our morning here in Rome is not over yet. Actually, we're going to go back to Rome for bill and we're going to bid you adieu, because that does it for us. So we hope you have a great morning. Now back to Bill in Rome.
HEMMER: Carol, thanks. We'll see you all again tomorrow. Our coverage, though, continues live in Rome right after this. We'll be back in a moment.
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