AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - “As soon as the news was given that the Pope’s condition had become critical the town ground to a halt” a missionary in Bukavu told Fides

Bukavu (Fides Service)- “The whole town has been praying for the Pope since yesterday. In church people recite the rosary and take part in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Young members of movements, for example Catholic Action, have organised continual prayers for the Pope and his intentions” said Xaverian missionary Father Luigi Lo Stocco, head of Radio Maria Queen of Peace in Bukavu, Democratic Congo. “Our radio station was the first to give the news of the worsened condition of the Pope yesterday morning and the town ground to a halt. At the main market place women began to cry and pray funeral prayers” Fr. Luigi told Fides.
“The people of Congo love Pope John Paul II, they feel he is close to them after his two visits here in 1980 and for the beatification of Sr Anuarita Maria Clementina Nengapeta, a martyr 15 August 1985 in Kinshasa” the missionary said. “One family man told me that young people will miss the Pope most of all because they are very fond of him thanks also to the World Youth Days” Fr Luigi said. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 2/4/2005 righe 19 parole 223