Costa Rica Mourns Pope John Paul II
In all Catholic churches across Costa Rica masses to remember Pope John Paul II were held. The Catedral Metropolitana in San José was no exception, where masses were held at different times during the day.

This Sunday the services were different than the other Sundays, as the prayers included the Pope and the future of the church.

"Amen" were the last words of a Pope that lasted for more than a quarter century and though he himself admitted to having enemies, was loved my millions around the world. For those under the age of 25, Pope John Paul II is the only Pope the have known.

Karol Wojtyla died on Saturday at 9:37pm at the Vatican in Rome (1:37pm in Costa Rica) following an agonizing few days as illness made it almost impossible for him to breathe.

President Abel Paheco de la Espriella and his wife, Leila Rodríguez, are expected to leave Costa Rica this afternoon bound for Rome where he will officially participate in the Pope's funeral this Thursday.

Pacheco said that, notwithstanding, that he did no receive an official invitation by the Vatican, he is taking the initiative. The president is expected to stay in Rome for at least three days. Roberto Tovar, Costa Rica's Chancellor, will not travel as reported on Sunday, but will do so once a new Pope is chosen.

Pacheco said that Pope John Paul II was close to Costa Rica, having personally had two occasions to have direct contact with the Pontiff. The first time president Pacheco met Pope John Paul II was in Guatemala and last year in Rome.

"In Rome, the Pope spoke our Nation and send multiple blessing to our people. He spoke of the peace that we have in Costa Rica, democracy and gave me rosary beads, which I cherish amongst my most precious possessions", said the president.

Pacheco added that he brings with him to Rome condolences from all Costa Ricans.

The president will meet up with San José's Archbishop, Monseñor Hugo Barrantes Ureña, who is already in Rome to participate in the Pope's funeral.

The Pope visited Costa Rica in 1983 as part of a tour of Central America.