Kenya: There was only one conversation among the throng leaving evening Mass at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi yesterday.
"We all feel for him," said Elizabeth Wanjiru (40). "He just seems to be gripped by illness and to see him like that has affected us all."
She was among millions of Catholics throughout Africa, the church's fastest-growing region, who joined together to pray for the ailing pontiff.
For the first time, African cardinals will be a significant voice when the next Catholic leader is chosen.
A Nigerian cardinal, Francis Arinze, ranks high on the list of potential successors to Pope John Paul. "Pope John Paul made several trips to Africa and they yielded fruit in terms of evangelisation. I hope the new pope finds time for Africa in his papacy," said Rev Julius Olaitan, administrator at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos. "If God wants it for Africa, it will come to Africa and if God wants it for Nigeria, it will come to Nigeria, but the Pope is for all, whether white or black," he said.
But most of the talk yesterday was not about succession but personal feelings for a Pope who has touched many.
Margaret Kariuki (32), a secretary, said Pope John Paul had done a huge amount for Africa.
"I would say he is a living saint. He has united the church and recognised the importance of Africa, appointing plenty of African cardinals. Now all we can do is pray that the holy spirit stays with him until the end."
Eleanor Kazadi (40), a bookseller, added that the Pope's struggle was an inspiration to Catholics around the world.
"It is very difficult for him as a leader to go through this. Yet he has not given up and this gives us courage to bear our own burdens," she said.
Earlier, Fr Augustine Kariuki had led the worshippers in prayer. "Let us pray for the Holy Father John Paul in his last days," he said. "Let us pray that the Lord gives him the healing touch and brings him peace.
"Send your Holy Spirit, Lord, to protect and guide him right up to the end."
The same scenes were repeated throughout Africa.
In downtown Lagos about 100 people managed to get away from work to celebrate lunchtime Mass at the Holy Cross.
"Every Catholic home in Nigeria is praying for the Pope, even if they can't make it to church," Helen Okonmah, a management consultant, said.
In Abidjan, Ivory Coast's main city, Benadette Assamoi sat quietly reading psalms amid the hush of St Paul's Cathedral.
"I heard on the radio that he had a heart attack. I came here this morning to keep him in my prayers," she said.
"God gave life to each of us and it depends on him. He decides. It's God's will. If we don't die, we don't have life."