Messages of condolence poured into the Vatican as 700 million Catholics throughout the world mourned the death on Sunday (6 August) of Pope Paul. Official mourning was declared in many countries, including Egypt and Iran, which are mainly Muslim.

SYNOPSIS: As arrangements were being made for the Pepe's funeral, the Pontiff lay in state at Castel Gandolfo. In Britain the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Hume, broke short his holiday and returned to London after hearing the news of Pope Paul's death.

I think that was very important and considerable achievement on his part. Apart from that of course, his work for peace and his constant re-iteration of the importance of peace."
Among those mourning the death of Pope Paul, were the priests of the Regina Mundi Cathedral in the black township of Soweto. The Cathedral was blessed by the Pontiff while on a visit to South Africa.