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Apr. 2nd, 2005 12:07 pmToday, at 1937 GMT, the only Pope I have ever known, who has ever sat on the throne in the Holy See during my lifetime, died.
To be honest, I was not one of the Pope's followers. I am not Catholic; nor am I especially religious. But even to those of us who did not move in his circle, the Pope was a figure who cast a long shadow. Although I did not agree with his views, although I sometimes thought him wrong, and dangerously so, I have always been an admirer of his better qualities. He brought an energy, a vitality and a sense of youthful vigor to the Catholic church that will be sorely missed in the days ahead. He was one of those figures who demonstrates, not only with his words but with his actions, that men and women of principle and conviction can still make a difference in this world. Even many of his opponents admired his steadfastness, his sense of purpose, and his conviction in what we may call the basic goodness of humanity. I hope his legacy of peacemaking and of aiding others will be his most lasting monument, and that we will not forget that sometimes virtue of whatever type may be rewarded.
Goodbye your Holiness. Your sins, such as they were, are now between you and God. Your legacy will remain with us always.
To be honest, I was not one of the Pope's followers. I am not Catholic; nor am I especially religious. But even to those of us who did not move in his circle, the Pope was a figure who cast a long shadow. Although I did not agree with his views, although I sometimes thought him wrong, and dangerously so, I have always been an admirer of his better qualities. He brought an energy, a vitality and a sense of youthful vigor to the Catholic church that will be sorely missed in the days ahead. He was one of those figures who demonstrates, not only with his words but with his actions, that men and women of principle and conviction can still make a difference in this world. Even many of his opponents admired his steadfastness, his sense of purpose, and his conviction in what we may call the basic goodness of humanity. I hope his legacy of peacemaking and of aiding others will be his most lasting monument, and that we will not forget that sometimes virtue of whatever type may be rewarded.
Goodbye your Holiness. Your sins, such as they were, are now between you and God. Your legacy will remain with us always.