The passing of a great and decent man

No, I did not agree with everything he said or did. You never agree with 100% of anything a public figure says or does. But his views were heartfelt, consistent, honest and with the best of intentions. Some politicians and religious leaders spoke of creating a "culture of life", as did the Pope, but he meant it. He opposed wars of aggression, opposed the death penalty and tirelessly advocated compassion for the less fortunate. He called upon people and governments around the world to do more for the poorest and least fortunate in our society. Did I agree with him on abortion or stem cell research? No, I did not, but if everybody who was against abortion and stem cell research had the same respect for life as this Pope did, the world would be a better place. In short, the Pope was really and truly pro-life.

He treated people of all faiths, and even with no faiths, with respect. He never condemned people to Hell who were not Catholic. He apologized for the Church's past support for religious discrimination, and improved relations with Jews and Muslims. He stood firm against Soviet tyranny in Poland, helping to liberate millions of Poles, and perhaps even more in Eastern Europe too.

The world has lost a great statesman today. A man who will be hard to replace.

In a world as dark and scary as it is now, we need him more than ever. He will be missed.

truly cared what happened to people in between birth and death, which it seems far too many so called "Christians" have forgotten.

His influence will be felt for many years to come.

I'm not Catholic, but my father, stepmother and half-brother converted to Catholicism about ten years ago. They were on their way to Mass when we called them to express our condolences. My dad opined, "They'll never be another one like him." So true.

He had a dignified and noble death and embraced death as he did life. He was unafraid to meet his maker and that should be our example. It is the rest of us who have the loss. I hope the next Pope is one who will carry on the true message of Christianity and take us backwards.