Wellington Catholics pay last respects

Catholics from around Wellington gathered at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart today to pay their last respects to Pope John Paul II.

A requiem mass was held at midday.

The service was led by Wellington's new Archbishop John Dew, and the mourners include representatives of several other Christian faiths.

There were also representatives from foreign embassies and a large contingent of young people, including several from the region's Catholic colleges.

At the front of the Cathedral is a large picture of the Pope with a papal flag flying in front of it.

All those attending were able to sign a book of remembrance.

- NEWSTALK ZB