Catholics around the world commemorate anniversary of pope's death

Published: 2006-04-04

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- On the days surrounding the anniversary of his death, Catholics around the world gathered to commemorate the life of Pope John Paul II. In Pope John Paul's homeland of Poland, tens of thousands gathered for Masses, concerts, exhibitions, youth vigils and silent marches in various towns and cities. In Pope John Paul's hometown, Wadowice, where several thousand Catholics attended an open-air Mass, a group of Italian runners arrived April 1 with a torch lit from candles at Pope John Paul's tomb in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Across England, bishops joined Catholics by remembering Pope John Paul in services and prayers. On April 3, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor of Westminster commemorated the legacy of Pope John Paul at a Mass in Westminster Cathedral. Bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo proclaimed a "triduum" of memorial events for the three days leading up to the anniversary. In New Delhi April 2, a bronze bust of Pope John Paul was unveiled at a solemn ceremony.

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