Kent says prayers for dying Pope

The Pope met Archbishop Runcie and Prince Charles in Canterbury

People across Kent have been continuing to pray for the gravely-ill Pope.

Canterbury Cathedral, visited by the Pope in 1982, has seen a regular stream of well-wishers praying and lighting candles since his condition worsened.

And Maidstone MP Ann Widdecombe, a convert to Catholicism, paid tribute to his aura of "sheer holiness".

The pontiff is fondly remembered in Kent, having become the first Pope ever to visit Canterbury Cathedral during his six-day tour of the UK in 1982.

'Great papal reign'

Canon Richard Marsh, the senior canon at the cathedral, said it was a sad time as the 84-year-old Pope had shown "immense strength" and an astonishing sense of humour.

Conservative MP Miss Widdecombe, who converted from the Church of England to Catholicism over the ordination of women priests, met the Pope during the 1990s.

I felt I was in the presence of God just from being in the presence of the Pope Ann Widdecombe MP

After attending a special mass at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday, she told the BBC: "I think the one thing that really struck me is the sheer holiness that emanates from the Pope.

"It's something I've only had two or three times in my life and that was certainly the most extraordinary, so much so that in his presence I actually felt a tangible link with the early church.

"I felt I was in the presence of God just from being in the presence of the Pope."

She said she hoped his suffering would soon be at an end.

"The atmosphere is not only of sadness but a celebration of his papacy," she said.

"It's been talked about - not only by Catholics - as a great papal reign."