Utahns joined the world in mourning and reflection Saturday on the life of Pope John Paul II, whose dedication to moral principle and unprecedented outreach to people of all faiths and stations endeared him to millions around the globe.

With tens of thousands keeping a silent vigil in St. Peter's Square, Vatican officials announced that the pontiff, 84, died in his private apartment at 9:37 p.m. Rome time — 12:37 p.m. MST in Utah. The leader of more than 1 billion Catholics, he shepherded the world's largest Christian denomination for 26 years, longer than only a tiny handful of the hundreds who preceded him in a historic papal succession dating back two millennia.

"We will always remember the humble, wise and fearless priest who became one of history's great moral leaders," said President Bush, who singled out John Paul's praise for the U.S. Constitution. "All popes belong to the world, but Americans had special reasons to love the man from Krakow."

As world political and religious leaders offered their respect and condolences, the Diocese of Salt Lake City issued a statement from Bishop George Niederauer, saying the pontiff "has been an inspiration for hundreds of millions of people, leading the church into the third millennium of history. His embrace was universal, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds, with special concern for the young, especially the lives of the unborn.

"He was sustained by prayer, strengthened through suffering and generous in sacrifice and love. He was a man of great hope, calling us not to be afraid. He changed the course of history by changing human hearts. We pray that God might grant him eternal peace and guide the church during this time of mourning."

Monsignor Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general of the diocese, said the pope "has been a powerful voice and effective witness for our Catholic faith, bringing the message of Christ to the world. He has been a loving shepherd, preaching respect for all people, reconciliation, unity and peace. May God welcome him into the heavenly kingdom where he will have rest and peace forever."

When word of the pope's election to the pontificate came on Oct. 16, 1978, many had never heard of the Polish-born Karol Wojtyla, who became the faith's first non-Italian pontiff since 1523. Born May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, he experienced life-altering tragedy early when his mother died, leaving the 9-year-old shaken and turning him toward deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. Three years later he lost a brother, and at age 20 his father died.