European Parliament pays homage to Pope John Paul II

Members of the European Parliament, meeting in their first plenary session since the demise of Pope John Paul II, observed a minute of silence as Parliament president Josep Borrell paid tribute to the late Pontiff.

Mr Borrell underlined John Paul II's legacy to the world based on the values of peace, love and freedom. He highlighted the Pope's strength, faith and courage throughout his life, adding that in his last years, Karol Wojtyla had borne his suffering with dignity.

Mr Borrell spoke on the importance of Pope John Paul II's contribution to the reunification of Europe. He underscored the role the Pope played in Poland and in the rest of central and eastern Europe leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

He recalled the Pope's speech to the European Parliament on the reunification of Europe when John Paul II had said that "Europe must breathe with both its lungs".

Pope John Paul II was "a great man and a great European", Mr Borrell said.