Pope John Paul II's personal ring and seal have been destroyed in a
symbolic ritual marking the end of his reign over the Roman Catholic
Church.
The ritual was performed by the chamberlain, or camerlengo, Cardinal
Eduardo Martinez Somalo, who is in charge until a new pope is elected.
Cardinals also held their final meeting before the secretive conclave
to elect a new pontiff, which starts on Monday.
A final Mass also marked the end of the Vatican's nine-day mourning
period.
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