'Evil' world worried Pope

POPE John Paul II died worrying that the world seemed dominated by the powers of evil, according to a sermon he had prepared for the day after his death, his successor Pope Benedict said yesterday.

"To humanity, which at times seems lost and dominated by the powers of evil, by selfishness and fear, the risen Lord offers the gift of his love which forgives, reconciles and opens up the spirit to hope," the sermon said.

Pope Benedict said: "It was written he should leave us on the eve when he was to have pronounced these words."