As Roman Catholics and Christians around the world mourn the passing away of one of the most popular Popes in history, Father Jarek Cielecki, editor of the Vatican news service has reported, "At a certain point, a few moments before he died, the Pope raised his right hand, moving it in an obvious, if only faint, gesture of blessing, as if he were aware of the crowd of the faithful present in the square who at the time were following the saying of the rosary.
"As soon as the prayer was over, the Pope made a very great effort and said the word ‘Amen’. A moment later, he was dead."
Minutes later the news of Pope John Paul II’s passing away spread out to the world and an testifying global mourning began. Almost instantly upon hearing the news, crying was heard among the 60,000 people that had packed into St Peter’s Square last night.
Reports have been common that a huge silence and hush has gripped the Vatican as a humble and respectful feeling has arisen to honour John Paul II. Roads leading into Rome have been full of people attempting to get to St Peter’s Square to pay their respects, and although huge traffic jams have appeared, a solemn silence has been observed.
Throughout the night, prayers were given to the large crowds via loudspeakers which were placed around the square.
Today, Sunday Mass was given in St Peter’s Square in memory of the passing away of the Pope. Hoards of faithful supporters of John Paul II packed into the area and stood shoulder-to-shoulder to give prayers, many with tears, for the late Pope.
As the Mass was given people waved pictures of the Pope, and every time that his face was shown on the giant screens, a huge round of applause was given.
Police said that 80,000 people were in the Square for the mass, with another 20,000 filling up the surrounding areas. The moment that brought emotions in the crowd to its peak was when Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, who is the Vatican undersecretary of state, read out the traditional Sunday noontime prayer – which Pope John Paul II had delivered throughout his pontificate.
