Westminster mourns John Paul II

The mood in Westminster Cathedral had been very sombre

Hundreds of worshippers gathered at Westminster Cathedral to pray for John Paul II shortly before he died at his Vatican apartments.

Throughout the day a steady stream of visitors lit candles under a photograph of the Pope in front of the altar.

The mood of the cathedral inside was sombre but calm as worshippers prayed in a hushed silence.

Outside individuals and religious groups continued to pledge their support to the 84-year-old Pontiff.

Current condition

Reverend Andrew Faley praised John Paul II for "doing things for the good of humanity and not for himself."

Student Sholto Morgan, from Aberdeen, agreed and said: "I think he was pretty strong considering everything that happened to him. His strength was obviously a reflection of his faith.

Reverend Faley praised the Pope's good work

"It is nice to see that so many people believed in him and it's amazing that one person could have created all this."

'Great man'

Paul Johnson, from High Wycombe, also expressed his sorrow.

"He has shown a lot of strength over the years. The whole world has lost a mighty great man," he added.

He has always been a man of the people and he has touched so many Sarah Gallagher

Maureen Huckle, who was sporting a picture of Jesus and the slogan: "The Divine Mercy, forgiveness and peace in the world", held a healing prayer for the Pope.

She said: "I am very sad but he has been such a wonderful Pope. He has travelled the world and spoken out on so many issues and mixed with so many religions.

"There were a lot of people from different nationalities praying for the Pope and it is nice to feel this sense of unity when there are so many unpleasant things going on in the world."

Meanwhile, Sarah Gallagher and her niece Claire O'Neill, both from north London, described the Pope as a wonderful man.

"I feel very sad that he was in pain and suffering. It is very encouraging to see so much support, though. He was a man of the people and he touched so many," said Miss Gallagher.

Sarah Gallagher and niece Claire O'Neill showed their support

Her niece, who met the Pope twice in the last five years on visits to Rome and Toronto on World Youth Day, praised John Paul II for helping the young.

She added: "He connected with the young and we felt there was a link between us now.

"It is a very sad time. He made such a difference to all our lives."