The Republic: The Catholic Primate Archbishop Seán Brady yesterday asked for prayers for Pope John Paul.
"Having heard the sad news of the deterioration of the state of the Holy Father's health, I ask Catholics to continue to pray fervently for Pope John Paul II, that he may be united ever more closely with Jesus in his suffering and be given all the graces that he needs at this time.
"I know that throughout Ireland today, people will be remembering the Holy Father in their prayers."
The Church of Ireland Archdeacon of Dublin, Ven David Pierpoint, said he "would like to assure our Christian neighbours that our prayers are with the Pope at this sad and difficult time." Archdeacon Pierpoint represented the Church of Ireland at last night's Mass in honour of Pope John at Dublin's Pro-Cathedral.
The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev John Neill, is abroad.
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rev Dr Ken Newell, said Pope John Paul's "belief in the dignity of the human being and protection of human life have been exemplified in the manner with which he has borne his personal suffering."
He commented that throughout his life Pope John Paul has been "a man of great courage who was never scared to stand up for what he believed to be right whether the issue was moral, social or political."
He continued that "every aspect of his long life exemplified a forgiving nature. After the attempt on his life his desire was to meet with his attacker to understand him and offer forgiveness."
Few would forget his visit to Ireland - "the vast crowds that greeted him and his call to the men of violence to lay down their arms."
The president of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev Brian Fletcher, spoke last night of the Pope's great charisma. He said John Paul's time as an actor enabled him to inspire audiences while he was also a master of the symbolic gesture, as evidenced by his practice of kissing the ground of countries he visited.
"His global journeys reinforced the size and diversity of the Roman Catholic community," Rev Fletcher continued, while "his youthful spirit endeared him to the young faithful."
Former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon said Pope John Paul was one of the great leaders of modern times and would be sadly missed.
She added: "I feel, as do many, that I am losing a member of my own family. I believe John Paul II will be remembered as an extraordinary Pope who brought the church to people all over the world.
