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VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Roman Catholics around the world waited and prayed as Pope John Paul slid toward death on Saturday after a 26-year reign that helped undermine Soviet communism and vigorously upheld long-standing Vatican doctrines.
Tens of thousands of faithful staged an emotional vigil in St Peter's Square deep into the night after Vatican officials said the 84-year-old Pope's health was fading fast.
"Stay with us. Don't leave us," the crowds chanted, many people weeping uncontrollably as they stared up at the Papal apartments, where just two lights blazed.
There is a reason he is/was pope and they aren't.
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