4 years ago on April 2, 2005, at 21.37 according to Roman time in the evening before the holiday of God's Mercy Pope John Paul II passed away to receive his eternal reward.
Today in the
Vatican, in the basilica of St. Peter the Apostle, at 18:00 Roman time the Holy Father Benedict XVI will lead the burial Liturgy in the memory of John Paul II, in which numerous young people from Rome will participate, and also prepare to Palm Sunday (on April 5), which in Catholic church is the Youth Day.
The last earthly day of Pope began with the Holy Liturgy, which was offered in his presence, and later he was visited by the State Secretary, Cardinal Angelo Sodano. About 15.30 John Paul II with barely audible voice told in Polish: «Let me leave to the house of Father». Approximately at
19 o’clock the condition of Pope worsened. Near his bed Archbishop Stanislaw Dzivish, the devoted Secretary of John Paul II, and at present Krakow Metropolitan, recited the Holy Liturgy, offering o Pope the Holy Sacrament of Ointment and at 21.37 in peace he passed away to the house of Heaven Father. A few minutes after this, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, the deputy of State Secretary, and now Prefect of the Eastern Congregation announced this sad news to thousands of believers gathered in prayer at St. Peter's Square in
Vatican and the press center gave the appropriate communication. Radio
Vatican broadcasted this information to the whole world with great concern.
In this tribute Liturgy participated Bishop Iriney Bilyk, OSBM, the current Canonic of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
(Photos will be added later)
