 The announcement of Pope John Paul II's death in Saint Peter's Square at 19:58 UTC was met with applause, a traditional Italian gesture of respect, followed by silence.
<clarity>  The announcement of Pope John Paul II's death in Saint Peter's Square at 19:58 UTC was met with applause, a traditional Italian gesture of respect, followed by silence.
 The announcement of Pope John Paul II's death in at 19:58 UTC was met with applause, a traditional Italian gesture of respect, followed by silence.