Catholics seek solace at churches as they remember Pontiff

TEARFUL and prayerful, Americans struggled to articulate their emotions yesterday as Pope John Paul II - who visited their country more than any other pontiff - clung to life at the Vatican.

Catholics, and some non-Catholics, converged at Masses to offer prayers and light candles.

Among those gathering at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles was city councilman Tom LaBonge, whose mother was among those presenting gifts to the Pope at Dodger Stadium in 1987.

“He was incredibly important for what he tried to do as a leader to bring peace throughout the world,” Mr LaBonge said.

Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn stopped by the Cathedral to light a candle.

The Pope, Mr Hahn said, “will go down as one of the great spiritual leaders of our time. His personality was a big part of it, the kindness that came through. It was beautiful and it was real.”

In New York City, Cardinal Edward Egan offered a prayer for the pope during a morning Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. He said John Paul was facing his suffering with “great courage.”

After worship, Cardinal Egan called the pontiff “an extraordinary hero for our times.”

“Not only in the religious area, but also in the area of peace, the area of concern about the poor, and the area of concern about those who are weakest in our communities, and in concern about holiness,” Cardinal Egan said.

The Pope made his first papal trip to America in 1979, preaching to crowds in Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden. During a whirlwind 1995 tour, he held huge public Masses in Giants Stadium, Central Park and the Aqueduct racetrack. The Pope last visited the US in 1999.

US President George W Bush and his wife were among those praying for the Pope, according to White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

“He’s in our thoughts and prayers at this time,” Mr McClellan said. “The outpouring of love and concern from so many - including millions of Americans - is a testimony to his greatness.”

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called the pope “a great moral figure, as well as religious figure.”

In downtown Cincinnati, the Rev Joseph Boel led a midday Mass at St Xavier church.

“Let us pray for all the sick and suffering, especially John Paul the second,” Rev Boel told the congregation.

“God’s with him, I know,” said parishioner Emily Schinner, 83. “I hate to see him go, but I know God wants him because he did his job.

“I hope we get another fellow who’s half as good,” Ms Schinner added.