A congregation gathered for a Solemn Requiem Mass to pay homage to Pope John Paul II at Arundel Cathedral on Monday night.

The homily was delivered by Monsignor John Hull and visiting clergy.

The cathedral, the seat of the Catholic church in Sussex, was packed for the event, one of a number of services held since the Pope's death on Saturday, April 2.

In attendance were the Anglican Bishop of Chichester John Hind, Anglican, Methodist and Baptist clergy, about 20 Catholic clergy from local churches, the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, the Lord Lieutenants of West and East Sussex and the High Sheriff.

Father David Buckley said: "The cathedral seats about 600 people. Nearly every seat was taken."

The Right Reverend Kieran Conry, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, was unable to attend because he was unexpectedly called away to a meeting of English bishops in Leeds.

Instead he sent along an introductory address.