I watched the procession of the body of Pope John Paul II from the palatine palace to St Peter's Basilica on EWTN and it was just beautiful! Did you watch it on EWTN? They had the best camera angles. I don't know if Fox showed the whole thing or not. I for one will stay tuned to EWTN instead of the rest of the cable. I want an entirely Catholic perspective on the funeral.
I watched the procession on EWTN as well. I just happened to turn to see what they had on and caught it. I'd only caught snatches on the other cable shows and was glad of the opportunity to watch the whole thing.
I couldn't imagine being one of all those older men walking down so many stairs; gave me the shivers just thinking about it! And the pallbearers were just wonderful. It was something to see.
I went thru 12 years of Catholic school many years ago; this brought back many memories of the pre-Vatican II Church. Tho I'm no longer Catholic, I have to admit, no one does ritual like the Catholics. The music, the vestments, the historical significance of the rituals themselves - there's a lot to take in on a variety of levels. I can't imagine what the funeral is going to be like! (no disrespect intended)
I watched the Requiem Mass on Sky news and, unfortunately, the reporters/commentators knew very little about Roman Catholic Liturgy. As the Scriptures (those not read in English) were being read, the translation was given from the King James version of the Bible, the Responsorial Psalm was identified as being Psalm 23 - according to the Vulgate version (the version Catholics follow) this Psalm is Ps.22. Minor details, I know, but significant for one who has been trained in Liturgy!
However, nothing could detract from the sheer beauty, majesty and solemnity of the occasion. A very special celebration for a very special pontiff.