The Catholic Patriotic Association of China and the Chinese Catholic Bishops College sent a telegram Sunday morning to Vatican to express "deep condolence" over the demise of Pope John Paul II.

"It is very sorrowful to know that Pope John Paul II has passed away at the call of God, to rest in Lord for good," the telegraph reads. "It would be a great loss for the pastoral and evangelical works of the Universal Church."

"We sincerely express our deep condolence, on behalf of more than 5 million clergies and faithfuls of the Catholic Church in China, and pray God grant him an eternal reward," it reads.

Pope John Paul II died on Saturday at the age of 84, the Vatican announced.

The pope, hospitalized twice in February for flu-induced breathing difficulties, laryngitis and other complications, died in Vatican City after suffering heart and kidney failure.

John Paul was born on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland. He was educated at Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland, and at the Angelicum in Rome.

He was ordained priest in 1946, became titular bishop in 1958, and later served as vicar-general, vicar and archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cracow.

He was created cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1967. In October 1978, he was elected Pope, the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.

In the last days of the pope's life, the Catholic Patriotic Association of China and the Chinese Catholic Bishops College extended good wishes for his health.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2005)