Thousands attend Phoenix Park service for the Pope

Several thousand people gathered at the papal cross in Dublin's Phoenix Park this evening for a Sunset Service of Remembrance for Pope John Paul II.

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the Minister for the Environment Dick Roche were in attendance.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Eamon Walsh welcomed those who braved the cold to attend the Remembrance Service.

“We have come here to say goodbye to that great Pope who came to this very park in 1979," he said.

“Today he is not with us in person but we have the empty chair on which he sat 26 years ago and he is with us in spirit."