EUROPE/SPAIN - Crowds of young people take part in Rosary for the Pope in Madrid Cathedral

Madrid (Fides Service) - More than 2000 young people gathered in Almudena Cathedral in Madrid to pray the Rosary yesterday evening before the funeral of Pope John Paul II. Many more had to stay outside to pray in the Square in front of the church. During the prayers, organised by the archdiocese, the young people reflected on excerpts from the Pope’s teaching. They sung the Youth Day Song and hymns to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Olive wood rosaries blessed by Pope John Paul II during his last visit to Spain in 2003 were distributed to the young people. “For many of them the Pope was a good grandfather who gave them good advice and accompanied them on their journey to maturity” said Gregorio Roldán, youth delegate for Madrid archdiocese, who urged the young people present to “unite with the young people of the world who recognised the Pope as a radical follower of the Gospel”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 8/4/2005)