PEOPLE prayed in solemn silence across Sussex as the world united to bid farewell to Pope John Paul II.

Throughout the county people's thoughts turned to Rome and the service to mark the Pontiff's passing.

In towns and cities, including Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne, Worthing and Burgess Hill, flags on civic buildings and churches flew at half-mast.

Special Requiem Masses included prayers for the 84-year-old whose death last Saturday prompted a worldwide outpouring of grief and affection.

One of the largest gatherings in Sussex was at The Friary in Haslett Avenue West, Crawley, where about 300 people remembered the Pope.

Father Anthony Milner said: "He was our shepherd, he was our pastor.

"For us, there is a feeling of sadness at the loss of somebody who has done so much not only for Catholics but for so many other faiths as well.

"But also today was a recognition of a job well done and a sense of relief all the suffering he endured is over and he can now share the joys of heaven."

One hundred people turned out for a Requiem Mass at St John the Baptist Church in Bristol Road, Kemp Town, Brighton.

Father David Foley, who led the service, said: "It was like a funeral but without the corpse. We regarded the Pope as one of the family. He was loved.

"The church has been open all week for people to come in and out and pay their respects."

In Eastbourne, people sat in quiet contemplation at Our Lady of Ransom Church in Grange Road.

Diane Lane, 42, of Old Town, said: "The Pope meant so much to so many people, Catholics and non-Catholics.

"He was full of humanity and was a person who engaged everyone, young and old. Without him, our world is a lesser place.

"He had no care for money or wealth. The simple way in which he was buried, in just a wooden coffin, was evidence of that. May God bless him."

Some services were taking place last night, including ones at St Mary Magdalene in Upper North Street, Brighton, Sacred Heart in Norton Road, Hove and Arundel Cathedral.

Others were being held at St Pancreas Church in Ireland Lane, Lewes and another mass at The Friary in Crawley.

It was in Rome where attention was focused yesterday.

Applause rang out in St Peter's Square as the Pope's simple wooden coffin emerged from the basilica and was placed in front of the altar for the Mass.

Bells tolled as the coffin was presented to the crowd one last time and carried back inside for burial in the crypt near the tomb traditionally believed to be that of the apostle Peter, the first pope.