Pope John Paul II died late Saturday night from septic shock cardio circulatory collapse after serving as head of the Catholic Church for 26 years.
Millions around the globe mourned the pope's death, including students attending mass at Christ the King Church, 75 Stewart St., last night.
Laura Buchanan, an Ohio University senior, said she was not surprised to hear of the pope's passing in light of his increasingly ailing health.
I was saddened but knew it was coming
so I'm glad we had time to prepare for it she said.
Jon Paton, an OU freshman, also said he wasn't very surprised.
I saw it coming he said. I think everyone saw it coming.
The pope's increasingly deteriorating health prepared the public for his death, said Steve Smith, also an OU student.
He's just been sick for so long
he said. When they put him on the feeding tube
I kind of knew that something was going on.
Christian Cullen, an OU junior, explained that with the current focus on the pope's death, mourners shouldn't overlook what he accomplished in life.
I think it's important for everyone to celebrate his life
he said. Mourning his death is part of the process
but I think it's important for everyone to realize what he's done and how we can learn from him.
Elise Haeuptle, an OU sophomore, agreed with Cullen.
He's accomplished so much. He's opened a lot of doors in the religious community
she said.
He did wonderful things for the church
Buchanan said. We've been really blessed to have him.
During the eight days, or octave, that follow the pope's passing, the Catholic church will engage in a number of ceremonies mourning his death and celebrating his life. Churches in Athens also will take part, hosting a number of special liturgies this week.
Within 20 days of John Paul's death, Catholic cardinals throughout the world will converge on the Vatican in Rome to choose a new pope.
According to Catholic-pages.com (www.catholic-pages.com/pope/election.asp) the meeting operates under absolute silence; no outside contact can be made.
A two-thirds vote from the 120 Cardinal Electors is required to choose a new pope, although a rule of absolute majority (one-half plus one) of the votes can be put into effect after a center number of votes if the initial two-thirds vote cannot be obtained.
After each vote has been counted, the individual ballots and any other notes are collected and burned. If a new Pope is chosen during that session, the ballots are treated with a chemical solution that makes the smoke white, signaling to the outside world that a selection has been made. If not, the papers are burned in their original state, creating black smoke.
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