The media have repeatedly reported that John Paul is "lying in state" for public viewing. I am not so sure about that.

Here in the Colonies, "lying in state" refers to placing the body of a deceased President of the United States in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol for public viewing. "Lying in repose" is what happens when the body of anybody, including a deceased president, is placed on display in a church or, as in the case of President Reagan, a library/museum.

In the Mother County, a deceased monarch "lies in state" in Westminster Hall, which is a part of the Parliament, and "lies in repose" in a church.

Or have I got it all wrong?