Bermuda?s Catholics joined millions around the world in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II on Saturday.

Rector Patrick Aiello, who is the Vicar General of Bermuda?s Catholics in the absence of Bishop Kurtz who is off the Island, told that he had the honour of meeting the Pope at the Vatican in 1996.

?There was a fairly large number of people in the audience,? Rector Aiello said, but John Paul II personally greeted every single person.

?He was very personal. He focused in on you,? he said. ?The warmth of the individual was very great. He spoke for a short time in terms of how religious value can impact cultures, bringing dignity and value to each person, regardless of race, creed, colour or nationality. That God made all of us equal from day one.?

At 3 p.m. yesterday in St. Michael?s Church, Paget, the faithful attended a special prayer service for Pope John Paul II, Rector Aiello said.

John Paul II had been a true shepherd to the whole world, he said.

He called him a ?pontifex? or a bridge builder who brought the world?s religions together with his spirit of understanding and peace.

During his 26 years as head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II was at the centre of the removal of Communism from his native Poland, Rector Aiello said.

?He knew the Holocaust in Krakov under Nazi domination,? he added. ?He became an actor in his youth because it was a medium to get to people to bring values of democracy and freedom to people in this style.?

Although the Pope never visited Bermuda, he said the Pope was a great communicator and spoke many languages and was a man of great courage, faith and prayer.

?He was an inspiration to all,? Rector Ailleo said. ?He loved all and as a great world leader he went beyond religious lines to the value of each human being.?

His death marked the culmination of a great life, he said.

?He taught us how to die with faith by surrendering his life to God.?

Other denominations across the Island also issued condolences.

Presiding Elder of Bermuda?s African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Malcolm L. Eve said last night: ?The Bermuda Conference joins with me in extending condolences to Bishop Robert Kurtz and the entire Roman Catholic Community in the passing of Pope John Paul II. We recognise and acknowledge that the world has lost one of the great Ecumenical Leaders of the Twentieth Century, who to the very end gave of himself for the cause of Righteousness, Justice and Peace for all of humanity. May the memories of his life and witness be a source of comfort to you during this time.?