AFRICA/IVORY COAST - National mourning for John Paul II respected substantially in rebel controlled mainly Muslim north

Bouake (Fides Service) - National mourning in Côte d'Ivoire for the death of Pope John Paul II coincided with the time of the funeral. Flags were flown half mast and from 6.30am to 11am local time national television broadcast live the Funeral Mass in St Peter’s Square. “The Pope’s funeral was broadcast live on television even in the rebel controlled north where people are mostly Muslims,” a local church source in Bouake, main town in the north of Côte d'Ivoire told Fides.
“John Paul II was loved dearly by our people. He came here three times and his visits left vivid memories” the source told Fides. “However the news that in Pretoria an agreement had been reached to put an end to the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire somewhat overshadowed news on the death of John Paul II”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/472005 righe 14 parole 161)