ASIA/HONG KONG - Thousands of Catholics and representatives of other religions attend a solemn Mass for Pope John Paul II: the cathedral was packed five hours before the service started

Hong Kong (Fides Service) - According to the bulletin of the diocese of Hong Kong “Kong Ko Bao thousands attended a requiem Mass for Pope John Paul II yesterday evening, 7 April in the cathedral of Hong Kong presided by Bishop Joseph Zen, with concelebrants Auxiliary Bishop John Tong, and Trappist Abbot and more than 130 religious and missionary priests. Also present Orthodox Christians, Anglicans, Methodists as well as representatives of the Hong Kong Muslim, Taoist and Buddhist communities. People took their places in the cathedral as early as 3 in the afternoon, by 6pm it was impossible to find a seat and when the Mass started at 8pm the square outside was packed with faithful. Many gathered in a nearby Caritas hall to watch the Mass on large screens. (Agenzia Fides 08/04/2005 Righe: 18 Parole: 172)