Pope John Paul II Passes Away
Pope John Paul II, the third longest-serving pontiff in history, has died aged 84. The BBC and other news outlets report death was due to kidney and heart failure:
"The Holy Father died this evening at 2137 in his private apartment," a brief Vatican statement said. His death was immediately announced to the crowds gathered on St Peter's Square, and was met with long applause, an Italian sign of respect.
Bells tolled across the city of Rome and many people wept openly.
"Our Holy Father John Paul has returned to the house of the Father," senior Vatican official Archbishop Leonardo Sandri said.
In the Pope's native Poland, people fell to their knees and wept as the news reached them.
Although an atheist, it is hard to deny his positive impact on world affairs over the years - R.I.P.
"The Holy Father died this evening at 2137 in his private apartment," a brief Vatican statement said. His death was immediately announced to the crowds gathered on St Peter's Square, and was met with long applause, an Italian sign of respect.
Bells tolled across the city of Rome and many people wept openly.
"Our Holy Father John Paul has returned to the house of the Father," senior Vatican official Archbishop Leonardo Sandri said.
In the Pope's native Poland, people fell to their knees and wept as the news reached them.
Although an atheist, it is hard to deny his positive impact on world affairs over the years - R.I.P.
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