More from from Rome and beyond

• DATE FOR CONCLAVE | 6:42 a.m. ET

Cardinals may soon announce when they’ll start their conclave to choose Pope John Paul’s successor.

An Italian cardinal says the date will “probably” be chosen today.

Church leaders have gathered for a third day to make the final arrangements for Friday’s funeral and John Paul’s entombment under St. Peter’s Basilica. They may also read the pope’s last writings.

We’re learning more about the ritual surrounding John Paul’s burial. A white silk veil will be placed on his face, while a prayer is read. The pontiff will be clad in liturgical vestments and will wear his white bishop’s miter on his head. The body will be placed inside three coffins encased within each other -- wood, zinc and wood. That’s meant to slow down decomposition.

• MAIN NETWORKS TO AIR FUNERAL LIVE | 4:10 a.m. ET

The "Big Three" broadcast networks will go all out to cover the funeral of Pope John Paul II on Friday, even though the bulk of the telecast will occur when most of America is still asleep.

The funeral will begin at 4 a.m. ET/1 a.m. PT from Vatican City. Many of the broadcast networks’ stars will be there, including ABC’s Charles Gibson and CBS’ Harry Smith and John Roberts. NBC’s Brian Williams will be the only one of the Big Three anchors to be on hand, with Peter Jennings’ illness announced Tuesday.

Marcy McGinnis, senior vice president for news at CBS News, said the early start would not affect the network’s funeral coverage. “We will produce it as if it was happening at any other time,” McGinnis said Tuesday.

“It’s one of those events that isn’t about ratings. It’s history,” said Mark Lukasiewicz, executive producer of NBC News specials. “This is a remarkable event. It’s a funeral Mass for someone who has had an incredibly deep impact on the world, both politically and spiritually. I suspect a lot of people will watch, but that’s not at the forefront of my mind.”

• TAIWAN PRESIDENT PLANS TO ATTEND  | 11:40 p.m. ET

Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian plans to attend Friday’s funeral of Pope John Paul, officials say, amid speculation that the Vatican may cut ties with the island in order to recognize China.

It would be a diplomatic breakthrough for the self-ruled island viewed by China as a breakaway province if Chen can go to the Vatican, Taiwan’s only diplomatic foothold in Europe.

Only 25 states officially recognize Taiwan.

“At the moment, we are moving towards the direction of having the president going to the pope’s funeral,” Taiwan foreign ministry spokesman Michel Lu said.

A final decision will be made later on Wednesday, Lu said, adding Taiwan’s ties with the Holy See remained intact.

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