Church bells tolled and candles were lit as Catholics across India attended special masses to pray for Pope John Paul II, who died in Rome at around 3.00 am IST.

As Christians and others in India joined the world in prayers, the Government declared a three-day state mourning.

Black flags were hoisted on church buildings to mourn the Pope's passing away.

The Pope visited India twice during his 26-year papacy -- in 1986 and 1999.

Missionaries of Charity in Mumbai's Shishu Bhavan held prayers for the Pope.

Photographs: Jewella C Miranda