Related: Pope John Paul II dies

    BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhuanet) -- The Catholic Patriotic Association of China and the Chinese Catholic Bishops College sent a telegram Sunday morning to Vatican to express "deep condolence" over the demise of Pope John Paul II.

    "It is very sorrowful to know that Pope John Paul II has passed away at the call of God, to rest in Lord for good," the telegraph reads. "It would be a great loss for the pastoral and evangelical works of the Universal Church."

    "We sincerely express our deep condolence, on behalf of more than 5 million clergies and faithfuls of the Catholic Church in China, and pray God grant him an eternal reward," it reads. Enditem