Thousands attend funeral of cardinal who helped topple two presidents

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2005

MANILA (AFP) — Political and military leaders including embattled President Gloria Arroyo joined about 6,000 mourners at the funeral of Cardinal Jaime Sin, known for his role in "people's power" uprisings that toppled two Philippine presidents.

Government, military and diplomatic officials stood in solemn silence with Filipino and foreign bishops at Manila Cathedral for a funeral which would have been befitting for a head of state.

The Roman Catholic cardinal, the most influential religious leader in this largely Catholic country, died of multiple organ failure on June 21. He was 76.

Many mourners at the cathedral wept openly as the homily was read. A sea of people using colorful umbrellas flocked outside the cathedral, where Sin's coffin was paraded on a...