The world’s focus turned to the St. Peter’s Square this morning as the funeral for Pope John Paul II took place. Millions of people travelled from all across the world to take this final opportunity to pay tribute to the highly respected spiritual man, as his body is laid to rest.
From the UK, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, was joined by the head of 77-million strong worldwide Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, were in Rome for the funeral of Pope John Paul II.
Archbishop Rowan is the first Archbishop of Canterbury to attend a papal funeral, and on behalf of the Anglican Communion, the Secretary General, the Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon; the Director of Ecumenical Affairs and Studies and Deputy Secretary General, the Revd Canon Gregory Cameron; the co-Chair of ARCIC, the Most Revd Peter Carnley; and the Rt Revd John Flack, the Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See and the Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome.
The attendance of both the Roman Catholic leader and the Anglican Church leader has highlighted the existing ties between the churches, which have been formed through the dedicated ecumenical efforts of Pope John Paul II. The Pope had contributed greatly in ensuring strong relationships were set up with three Archbishops of Canterbury, the late Lord Runcie, Lord Carey, and the Most Revd Rowan Williams.
In an interview with the BBC Radio 4 Today, Archbishop Rowan said his presence at the funeral was "a mark of the deep bonds of personal closeness and intimacy that have come to exist between the office of the Archbishop and the Papacy".
Many other Anglican leaders worldwide have sent their tributes to the Anglican Communion Office in London today. Archbishop Peter Akinola, the Primate of All Nigeria, highlighted Pope John Paul's leadership qualities. "He exemplified the unique life of Christ," he said. "...a man of peace, who loved justice and promoted ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue."
The Most Revd Njongonkulu Ndungane, the Primate of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa, stressed the Pope's great concern for Africa. "We are particularly grateful for the attention he paid to Africa and the developing world during his papacy...we share the grief and loss of the Catholic Church at his passing."
