E-Mails Usurp Arcane Signs of Pope's Death

ambiguity found in traditional code, also it seemed ridiculous

VATICAN CITY - For centuries, one of the surest signs that a pope had died was the closing of the massive Bronze Door beneath a portico off St. Peter's Square. But the first word of John Paul II's death came in an e-mail.

The bronze doors are routinely closed at 8 p.m. and opened again the next morning after the Basilica reopens. The 84-year-old pontiff died at 9:37 p.m. Saturday - after the doors had closed for the day.