A memorial service took place on Thursday in Rio's centenary Candelaria Church to mourn the victims of the missing Air France Flight 447.

Air France Flight 447 from Rio to Paris disappeared Monday over the Atlantic, claiming the lives of 228 people of more than 30 nationalities.

The ceremony gathered representatives from eight religions, such as Catholic, Lutheran, and Presbyterian.

About 1,000 people were present, including friends and family members of the victims and authorities from both Brazil and France, according to Monsignor Elia Volpi, who presided over the Catholic part of the ceremony.

French Foreign Minister, Bernard Kouchner, traveled from France for the event.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim also attended the ceremony, representing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is currently attending an OAS meeting in Honduras.

Rio de Janeiro state Governor Sergio Cabral and the city's mayor Eduardo Paes were present at the ceremony.

Director of Paes's office, Marcelo Parente, was one of the passengers.

"I believe I have lost a friend who, years ago, helped me calm down, guided me, and saved me in a difficult moment," Mayor Paes said.

A three-day official mourning from Monday was declared by Sergio Cabral.

Governor Cabral called for a full investigation into the case, saying all steps must be taken to avoid a similar tragedy in the future.

Another mass will be held on Friday in Rio's Cathedral to honor the 228 people. So far, search teams which worked at the crash site have found nothing but debris.

According to experts, it's unlikely to find the victims' bodies.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2009)