Dino Monduzzi, aide to Pope John Paul II

VATICAN CITY -- Cardinal Dino Monduzzi, an Italian prelate who was a longtime aide to Pope John Paul II and three earlier pontiffs, died Friday at the Vatican, where he resided. He was 84.

Cardinal Monduzzi served as prefect, or head, of the papal household until 1998.

Pope Benedict XVI, in a condolence message to the cardinal's relatives, pointed out that the prelate had served four popes, ``rendering generous service with great dedication."

The pontiff also praised his ``speed and wisdom" in helping to organize the daily papal audiences and more than 100 pastoral trips that Pope John Paul II made.

He greeted VIPs when they arrived at the Apostolic Palace for papal audiences, including President Reagan and wife in 1987.

Cardinal Monduzzi entered Vatican service in the late 1950s, during the pontificate of Pope John XXIII. John Paul, who died last year, rewarded Cardinal Monduzzi for his faithful service by elevating him to cardinal in 1998.

The Vatican said that Benedict would say Cardinal Monduzzi's funeral Mass today in St. Peter's Basilica.