AFRICA/ CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - Three days national mourning for Pope John Paul II. Muslims express sympathy to Catholic community

Bangui (Fides Service)- “The news of the death of John Paul II has a great impact on people here”. Fr. Tonino Falaguesta, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Central African Republic told Fides. “The news was announced with the sounding of the passing bell in churches all over the country. In Bangui Catholics flocked at once to the cathedral to pray” Fr Tonino told Fides.
“The President François Bozize announced 3 days of national mourning and leading national personalities will attend a solemn Requiem Mass on Sunday 10 April” Fr Tonino said. “People started praying for the Pope when it was announced that his health condition had worsened and now they are praying for him and for the universal Church”.
Fr. Tonino said that local Muslims have expressed sympathy with Catholics for the death of the Pope. “I have had many phone calls and visits from Muslim friends and acquaintances who expressed their sympathy with such warmth as if they were speaking of a member of the family. This is most edifying” Fr Tonino told Fides. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 6/4/2005 righe 18 parole 205