City tributes to a 'great man'

Apr 4 2005 By Patrice John

Sombre and serene were words used to describe Pope John Paul II just days before his death, and the same could be said of the faithful who gathered at St Chad's Cathedral for a special Mass service for him.

Hundreds gathered in the cathedral in Birmingham city centre to pay their respects – many stood throughout.

Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, comforted mourners and said: “Today is a day of mourning and sadness. Today it is right for us to thank God for his life and all he said and did and to cherish our memories of such a remarkable man.”

He also said that people’s memories of the Pope’s visit to Coventry were bringing them comfort.

After the service people shared their memories of the Pope.

Environmental scientist Leslie Ann Le Blanc hailed the Pope as a “great man”.

The 31-year-old, from Birmingham, said: “He was a great man. He was instrumental in establishing values, even when they were unpopular.”

Her 34-year-old engineer husband Roger said: “He wasn’t afraid to speak out and he was not afraid to bring youths into the church and make them feel comfortable.”

Religious broadcaster for Radio 2, Don Maclean, said the Pope was an outstanding figure of the century.

He said: “For many people he was the only Pope they have ever known. He witnessed the rise of global terrorism, but he also saw the fall of apartheid. He was the most important figure of the second half of the 20th century.”

Gabriel and Celine Kardos, both 28, from Bombay, were staying in the Crown Plaza Hotel, Birmingham.

Gabriel, an engineer, said: “The Pope gave honourable service for 26 years.”

His wife Celine, a hospital worker, said: “He spread lots of love and we hope his mission continues with the next Pope.”