A Day That Shook The World: Pope John Paul II dies

Thursday 31 March 2011 19:00 EDT
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On 2 April 2005, the third-longest serving Pope in history died at the age of 84.

A controversial figure, John Paul II took many conservative stances on divisive issues, including contraception and abortion, though he did support democracy in the former Soviet parts of Eastern Europe.

His body lay in state at St Peter's Basilica for four days, and his funeral became something of a celebration of his life for four million mourners. He was followed by the equally conservative Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.

Watch original British Pathe footage from John Paul II's life and funeral above.

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