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Pope John Paul II Dies, World Mourns
(Saturday, 2nd April 2005)

Bells tolled in Churches everywhere (including Ghajnsielem) as the Vatican announced the death of Pope John Paul II. The Pope died in his private apartment (Vatican) on Saturday evening at 9.37p.m., surrounded by his closest Polish aides. Less than two hours before his death, his aides celebrated mass by his beside and for the second time since Thursday gave his last rites.

He was last seen in public on Wednesday when he appeared briefly at his apartment window in St Peter's Square to bless thousands of pilgrims. Voicing a strong moral vision, Pope John Paul II forged a legacy as one of the Catholic Church's most influential leaders. The 264th pontiff travelled more and beatified more people than any pope in history, and supporters and critics alike agree on the immense significance of his 26-year papacy.

According to Father Jarek Cieleski, a Polish priest who is director of Vatican service news and the Italian Catholic television station Tele Padre Mio, the Pope raised his right hand in a sign of blessing to the crowds reciting the Rosary. "Once the faithfuls' prayer ended, the Pope made a huge effort and pronounced the word 'Amen'," he said. "An instant later he died."

The Maltese Government has ordered that Sunday 3rd April, Monday 4th as well as the day in which the Pope's funeral will take place, as days of National mourning. Churches are also flying flags at half-mast. The Cardinals must now decide on the time of two events: the funeral and the start of the conclave, the gathering in which the cardinals will debate on and elect a new pope.

Ghajnsielem is mourning the loss of a great leader... the loss of one of the most remarkable men of all times.
 

The Last Days of His Life...

The Pope's last visit to Malta (2001)
 

the last three pictures are taken courtesy of di-ve.com