The mood was pensive as the parishoners waited for news about Pope John Paul II, still clinging to life, morning news reports said.

The candles flickered and dimmed in a damp draft but didn't extinguish as 35 worshippers wandered in. They called John Paul II the People's Pope and prayed for him. The pontiff was going to be in a better place, in a better position to hear them and help them, they said.

Shortly after Mass, Mark Peredo sat outside the church reflecting on the pope's leadership.

``For me, it was about his fight for the sanctity of life,'' he said. ``His fight against the injustices against Jews, Muslims and Christians. He was walking the walk when other Holy Fathers had not. It was about protecting the faithful.''

John Paul II's demeanor and the points he emphasized appealed to many outside the Catholic faith, making him a true leader, said Maria Sper.

``From the beginning, he was a saint,'' Sper said. ``He was a saint in the right position with a lot of charisma. Those who didn't know God, he filled those people with his charisma, getting them closer to God.''

Rita Macko said the pope was approachable, with an attitude that no one was beneath him. She wondered whether the successor will possess the same characteristics that united so many people.