AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Thousands expected to attend Requiem Mass for John Paul II in Bukavu at the same time as the Funeral Mass in Rome

Bukavu (Fides Service)- “We have organised a death watch for the Pope” said Xaverian Father Luigi Lo Stocco, Director of Radio Maria Queen of Peace in Bukavu, east Democratic Congo.
“We are in profound communion with the traditional nine days mourning kept by the universal Church” the missionary told Fides “People pray incessantly and with great fervour. On Friday 8 April at 10am we will celebrate a solemn Requiem Mass for the Holy Father in communion with the funeral in St Peter’s Square in Rome. The Mass will be held in front of the cathedral in the open because thousands are expected to attend and the Cathedral is too small to contain them” the missionary concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 5/4/2005 righe parole)