He used, moreover, to take communion, which only Catholics may do until Cardinal Hume reminded him of the rules.

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During the service, as Mr. Caferro walked toward the altar to take communion, he paused at the front row and grabbed his friend's shoulder.

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He did not take communion for most Christians, the most important rite of their faith and he did not summon a Christian minister to his death bed.

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Before the mass, church officials said they wanted as many people as possible to be able to participate in the celebration of the cardinal's life and those watching on a television screen outside were able to take communion.

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The parents of a boy with Down's syndrome have criticised the Roman Catholic Church for not allowing him to take his first Holy Communion.

BBC: Church refuses boy with Down's syndrome Holy Communion

The diocese said children could "only proceed to the sacrament of first Communion when they take part in the Church's life and understand the Church's faith".

BBC: Church refuses boy with Down's syndrome Holy Communion