A prayer for John Paul II

O God, from whom the just receive an unfailing reward, grant that your servant John Paul, whom you made successor of St Peter and a shepherd of your Church, may rejoice forever in the vision of your glory, for he was a faithful steward here on earth of the mysteries of your forgiveness and grace.

Rest eternal grant unto him O Lord:
and let light perpetual shine upon him.

May he rest in peace. Amen.

A prayer for the Christian Church

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light, look favourably upon your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery, and by the effectual working of your providence, carry out the tranquil operation of our salvation. Let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by Him through whom all things were made, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Amen.

The Dean and Chapter of Westminster join their brothers and sisters in Christ in their sorrow at the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. They thank God for his leadership of the Roman Catholic Church over many years. They assure their neighbours at Westminster Cathedral especially His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor of their prayers.