Those who gathered shared in some of the pope's favorite prayers, songs and readings from the Holy Scripture. A slide show highlighting his life was scheduled, although due to an electrical problem, it was not played.

Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) John Hannigan, II MEF Headquarters Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) presided over the 45-minute service.

"The pope wasn't into ornate, flowery types of things," said Hannigan. "We wanted to do something simple in keeping with the pope, who was a simple, down-to-earth man. He stood for what God wanted him to stand for: truth, justice and peace."

For those attending the service it served as a way to pay their final respects to the pope who passed away April 2, at the age of 84.

"I didn't get a chance to see the funeral on television so I came here today," said LCpl Joe McGinty, information operations, Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division. "He was the epitome of the perfect catholic and leader, and he helped a lot of people and countries," added the Augusta, Ga., native.

For LCpl Lawrence Hurtado, heavy equipment operator, II MHG, the pope was an inspiration. "He did a lot of good things that people could strive for," said Hurtado, a Pueblo, Colo., native. "He set a lot of goals and he accomplished them."