Mainers join world in sympathy

PORTLAND – Roman Catholics and people from other faiths across Maine offered their prayers Friday as Pope John Paul II clung to life in deteriorating condition in Vatican City.

“Catholics are taught to pray that our death will be ‘happy,’ that is, that we will be prepared to meet God at the moment of death and judgment,” said Bishop Richard Malone in Maine. “Who could question the Holy Father’s readiness to encounter the Lord he has served so selflessly?”

In Vatican City, tens of thousands of people prayed in a floodlit St. Peter’s Square. Some held candles and others had teary eyes as they kept a solemn vigil – a scene that was repeated at churches around the world.

About 100 people turned out for midday Mass at Portland’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where additional prayers were offered for the pope.

Sympathy around the world crossed religious boundaries for John Paul, who has worked for better relations with both Jews and Muslims. He was credited for ending wars, spreading democracy and combating religious animosity.

Anglicans in Maine also prayed for the pontiff.

“The Holy Father is remembered as one who has become the spiritual leader of numerous Christians, Roman Catholic and otherwise,” said the Rev. Lester York, dean of the Anglican Cathedral of Saint Paul in Portland. “President Reagan identified the evil empire but this pontiff brought it to its knees.”

The Vatican said the 84-year-old pontiff suffered heart failure during treatment for a urinary tract infection and was “lucid” but in grave condition.

Parishes in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland are holding their regularly scheduled Masses today and asking for special intentions for the John Paul. No special services are planned today. The diocese will issue plans to mark the death of the pope.