AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Young Catholics in Bukavu gather around their World Youth Day Cross to give their embrace to Pope John Paul II

Bukavu (Fides Service)- “People are crowding into parish churches across the country for special prayers for the Pope” said Fr Gianni Bretagnani, regional Superior of the Xaverian missionaries in Bukavu in the east of Democratic Congo. “During Mass this morning I comforted the grieving congregation reminding them that the Pope died on the eve of the Sunday of Divine Mercy, which he himself instituted. I told them that for those who have faith in Jesus Christ even death holds a message of hope” said Fr Gianni. “It is most of all our young people who want to give one last embrace the Holy Father and we will do this by gathering with them around the simple wooden Cross used for Youth Day celebrated by our parishes here in Bukavu”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 3/4/2005 righe 14 parole 145)