There was this other Pope before John Paul. I once though he was the bomb

But John Paul II, Karol Józef Wojtyła, really took over and redefined the role. He's got to be the most traveled. most outgoing, and most known religious figure alive. At age 58 he took over as the first non-Italian pope in decades and has served with distinction. My favorite moment was the day he went to the jail that held his would-be assassin and forgave him. That act has been a defining example of forgiveness that is a ready guide for how to act in my own life towards those who would oppress me or do me harm. Other powerful images come to mind of the millions of faithful in desperate, countries suffering upheaval or destructive dictatorships who would flock to get but a glimpse of the Pope as he would visit and give his blessings.


Pope John Paul I, Albino Luciani, cast a friendly image to the world and allowed more of the public to personally embrace and celebrate his papalcy than that of his predecessor. His untimely death after a relatively short reign was a shock to those who identified with his openness, but John PaulII quickly put the controversy over his Polish nationality behind him as he assumed a more outspoken leadership role that offended some but engaged many more with charm and admiration of his dedication to the values of peace and love and respect for human life.


John Paul II said of our aggression in Iraq:

"When war, as in these days in Iraq, threatens the fate of humanity, it is ever more urgent to proclaim, with a strong and decisive voice, that only peace is the road to follow to construct a more just and united society," John Paul said. "Violence and arms can never resolve the problems of man."

And also,

"Humanity should question itself, once more, about the absurd and always unfair phenomenon of war, on whose stage of death and pain only remain standing the negotiating table that could and should have prevented it."

Also,

"Pervading nationalism imposes its dominion on man today in many different forms and with an aggressiveness that spares no one. The challenge that is already with us is the temptation to accept as true freedom what in reality is only a new form of slavery."


Pope John Paul II has more than a few detractors- I myself am mostly indifferent to his religious musings and edicts- but he remains the most dedicated and engaging advocates for peace and love around the world who has graced our century. He'll be a hard act to follow when he leaves us. Well done, Karol Józef Wojtyła. You are loved.

very nicely said.

Although I strongly disagree with his religous proclamations, he did speak for Peace and Justice throughout the world.

Well done indeed.

I was raised Catholic and have problems with some of the laws of the church, but John Paul II has been consistent and has been truly a pope of the people. when he states that he respects life, he is not a hypocrite like so many of the evangelical christians who also support war and the death penalty...as well as bigotry and hatred. John Paul II stood for peace and love of humanity as well as courage and strength in adversity. He will be missed.

Rest in Peace.

there is much to laud him for.

I pray for a progressive, humanist and humanitarian Pope to continue the good works of JPII, and can only pray that he'll make needed changes in doctrine that impact overpoulation and women's rights, among other areas needing change.

Well done, our good and faithful servant.

This Pope was a very significant man in world events, and if ANY ONE man can be credited with the final defeat of Communism, it would be John Paul II.

Rest in peace, Pontiff...

He was strong in the face of communism, and helped bring about the fall of the iron curtain.
He has advocated for peace and justice throughout his papacy.
He travelled all over the world to visit with the faithful, thus showing his love for humanity at large.
He officially apologized for many of the church's past sins, like the inquisition and the failure to oppose the nazis as forcefully as they should of.

I disagree with many of the catholic church's teachings, particularly regarding the unwillingness to ordain women, but the issues in which I do agree with the pope (peace and justice, fighting poverty, etc.) are far bigger than the issues I disagree with him on. As I am not a catholic, I am not bound by the policies I disagree with.

On top of everything else, John Paul not only travelled and visited the US, he also visited Detroit/Hamtrammck, which was really great for all the catholics around here. They even got Aretha to sing for him.

He was a great man--is a great man. And he will forever be a great man.

because he wasn't in line with the reactionaries controlling the Vatican . . . John Paul II has undoubtedly done some good, but he has also maintained the Church's 12th century outlook on things like morality and sexuality . . . history will show his impact to be far less than Pope John XXIII, who instituted some real change . . . still, I respect JPII for his commitment to peace and justice, however incomplete it may have been (e.g. for gays, women, etc.) . . .

I'm not sure if I believe it or not. My prediction...an interim "reactionary" pope (no more than 5 years) then (I'm praying) a real reformer much like John XXIII.

but what do I know