New Zealand pays tribute to the Pope

Catholics attending mass at St Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland, today paid tributes to the Pope. Picture / Fotopress

Prayers are being given for the Pope at masses around the country following his death this morning.

Archbishop of Wellington John Dew said today's focus was on remembrance. He said more formal ceremonies will be arranged once the Vatican announces details of  the Pope's funeral.

Archbishop Dew said John Paul II has taught us as much in death as he did in life.

He said to die with serenity in this way, the Pope has taught everyone a lesson.

Little more than an hour after the Pope died, more than 400 people attended the 9am mass at St Patrick's Catehdral in central Auckland.

Father Philip Handforth said the second Sunday of Easter was a day of resurrection but also a day of sadness. "The great leader has died," he said.

Many worshippers did not know about the Pope's death until they arrived at the cathedral with funeral bells ringing and large photos of the Pope at the entrance and on either side of the altar.

Helen Clark is one of many world leaders to pay tribute to the Pope.

She said it is a time of tremendous sadness, not only for the Catholic community, but for the whole world.

The Prime Minister said the Pope delivered very powerful messages about peace and democracy to the world for many years.

Helen Clark has ordered flags on public buildings lowered to half-mast.

They will stay that way today and tomorrow, and will be lowered again on the day of his funeral.

National Party leader Don Brash said not only Catholics but also Christians around the world will be feeling the sad loss of the Pope.

He said John Paul has had an enormous impact on religious and social issues.

Bishop of Auckland Pat Dunn said the death of the Pope has affected many Catholics in this country.

- NEWSTALK ZB, HERALD STAFF