MEMBERS of Alcester's Roman Catholic community have been mourning the death of Pope John Paul II in services and private prayers over the past few days.

The 84-year-old Pope died on Saturday night.

The outpouring of grief, mingled with celebration of his life, dominated news coverage since his aides announced the decline in his health on Thursday night.

At Our Lady and St Joseph Church, in Priory Road, special prayers were said during Sunday's service and four requiem masses, including one ecumenical service, have been arranged in keeping with the Benedictine tradition.

Deacon Peter Griffiths said: "It was rather like we saw on television in many ways - a tear was shed initially by quite a lot of people and then the celebration of his life. "And what a wonderful life and a wonderful shepherd to the Catholic church he has been.

"I never met the Pope personally but I've been to Rome twice and was fortunate to have been at services in St Peter's Square when the Holy Father was there on two occasions.

"At least we got to see our shepherd and now he's got his reward. He has meant so much to everyone - Christians and non-Christians."

The ecumenical mass is planned for Friday, April 15, at 7pm.