I ask that you all pause for a moment in remembrance of the passing of a very great man, Pope John Paul II. The pope died today, April 2, 2005, in his Vatican apartment at 2:37 p.m. EST. He was 84.
Born Karol Wojtyla, he was chosen to be the leader of the Catholic church in 1978. The world was surprised at the choice. He was the first non-Italian pope in over 450 years.
He led the church well for twenty-six years. He travelled the world more than any other pope in history. His preaching against communism helped to bring about its end in his native Poland and across the entire Soviet bloc.
He was loved by Catholics and non-Catholics alike, perhaps because he was such a fine example of what every Christian should be. He will be missed.
Finally, let us remember this great Christian leader as we should remember all of the people that we love, laughing with a smile on his face!
Surely he must be smiling down upon us now from the very special place that he most certainly has earned with all of the saints in heaven.
