4 April 2005

President Thabo Mbeki has joined the rest of world in mourning the passing away of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, who died on Saturday night.

Mbeki said the pontiff helped "strengthen the moral fibre among Catholics, people of all faiths and humanity in general.

"We express our appreciation for the role played by His Holiness in pursuit of global peace, development and co-operation among nations of the world, including his support for Africa's development and renewal", Mbeki said.

The 84-year-old pontiff visited Africa seven times more than any other Pope, and raised the bar in being outspoken about human indignity all over the world.

The Polish-born Pope John Paul II led the Catholic Church for 26 years, more than any of his predecessors.

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Anna described the Pope as an "advocate of peace".

Vatican officials and dignitaries were paying their last respects to the Pope on Sunday as his body lay in state at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican City of Rome.

The Pope, who survived a near-fatal shooting in 1981, suffered from Parkinsons disease for several years. Towards his death, he suffered heart attacks and was admitted to hospital following breathing complications.

A Sunday mass was held in St Peters Square to honour the Pope, whom many of different religious faiths hailed as a sympathiser to their sufferings.

Sunday marked the beginning of a nine-day mourning period. The cardinals are expected to meet in 15 to 20 days' time to decide on Pope John Paul II's successor.

Source: BuaNews