in st. peter's basilica, we move in toward an empty chair, a chair so magnificent it can only be called a throne.
--- a veil of thin white silk billows down over the face of the dead pontiff. two vatican funereal workers pull a second veil over his face, then another over his head and hands.
--- an ancient carved incense holder that swings back and forth at the end of a chain, swung by a priest in st. peter's basilica. a thousand faithful are gathered for ---
in st. peter's, we're in a complimentary move, down the aisle past the college of cardinals, one hundred sixty-five aging men in brilliant red robes, seated near the altar.
mortati reaches the religious climax of the ceremony and holds aloft the round white communion host.