Wereldwijde condoleances na overlijden paus (en)

Around two million pilgrims from all around the world are expected in the Vatican today to pay their last tributes to Pope John Paul II who died on Saturday (2 April).

European leaders have expressed their condolences and are set to arrive for the pontiff's funeral later this week.

The Pope's body will be taken to St Peter's Basilica today (4 April) where ordinary people will be allowed to pay their respects.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso i expressed his "deep sorrow" on learning about the death of the Polish pope, who would be "remembered as someone who played an essential role in the reunification of Europe and in the advance of ideas of freedom and democracy in our continent. Europeans will never forget his struggle for peace and human dignity".

EU chief for external relations Javier Solana i said "The world - not just people of catholic faith - has lost an unforgettable spiritual leader, an enlightened champion of peace and solidarity for all. We will sorely miss a great European spirit of our times."

The weekend developments around the Pope's death put on hold a regional campaign in Italy, while the British Prime Minister Tony Blair postponed today's call of general elections - due on 5 May - for 24 hours, out of respect to John Paul II.

Leaders from all around the world are set to attend the Pope's funeral.

Cardinals are expected to meet this morning to set the date for the funeral, which must take place between Wednesday and Friday this week.

Pope John Paul II was born Karol Wojtyla in Poland. He became Pope in 1978 and was the third longest-serving pope in history. He was also the first Pole ever to become Pope and the first non-Italian for over 450 years.