AFRICA/TOGO - Togo declares National Mourning for John Paul II: grieving Catholics fill churches

Lome (Fides Service)- “Our whole nation is mourning the passing of John Paul II” Father Carlos Olympio, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Togo told Fides. “Grieving Catholics attend the prayer services and requiem masses being held in churches all over the country.” Fr. Olympio continued. “Everywhere there are photographs of the Pope. Since the Holy Father’s death last Saturday evening radio and television stations broadcast only news on the mourning of the Catholic Church and classical and religious music. Last Sunday, 3 April, a requiem Mass in Lome cathedral was attended by hundreds of mourners” Fr. Olympio concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 5/4/2005 righe 13 parole 141)