John Paul II:
In Memoriam

One of the most influential figures of the late 20th and early 21st century, Pope John Paul II’s leadership style made him one of the world’s most beloved figures. The impact of his tenure will be felt for years by the world's more than one billion Roman Catholics. Below, readers share their thoughts on the passing of the Pope. (We are no longer taking submissions on this topic. Thank you for the thousands of responses.)

An inexpressible loss
Not since the passing of Mother Teresa have I been overcome with such grief, as I am now with the demise of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. I am not given to any denomination within the Christian faith, my conviction herein arising from my view that Christ ought not be divided into denominations. The demise of the Holy Father is an inexpressible loss I feel deep inside. Not having had any personal encounter with him, I feel like I have known him all my life. This is an occasion where tears substitute the words my heart want so desperately to express but fails. He has left behind a legacy and example too gargantuan to emulate. May God anoint His servant, the future Pope to follow the prodding of the Holy Spirit, as I am convinced, Pope John Paul II did. The Angels rejoice now as one of their own returns!
--John Baptist, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Testament to a beautiful soul
While I am not a Catholic, I went to St. Patrick's church here in New York last Friday to light a candle in his honor. While there were more than a few points on which I could not agree with him, I nevertheless always have and always will admire him for his tireless efforts on behalf of humanity even at great cost to himself.  The fact that people from other faiths besides Christianity have been praying for him is a testament to the beauty of this man's soul.
—Gwyn Griffin, New York, N.Y.

His expressionless face
John Paul the Great lying in state is said to look serene, but such an expressionless face, stilled and closed in death, is far from the responsive features the world had come to know through his 26 busy years as pope.  He tried valiantly to follow Jesus closely all during a long lifetime, and all through the recent years of great suffering that ended with his final Amen - so reminiscent of "It is finished!" on Calvary.  In this Easter period I think it might not be inappropriate to recall the words spoken of Jesus, to realize that "he is not here; he is risen" to the fullness of a joyous life with God forever.  Such a holy life, such a continual example of his courageous acceptance of hardship, whole-hearted commitment to peace and justice, loving outreach to everyone, and so much more, is his legacy to us, something to which we can relate every day in our living. Recently I read that when his mother became pregnant, despite two very difficult previous pregnancies, with one ending in the pain of losing a baby daughter, her doctor advised an abortion.  If she had accepted his opinion, instead of trusting God as she did, there would have been no Karol Wojtyla, no Pope John Paul II either, and what a tremendous loss that would have been for our world!
—Sister Mary-Joanna Huegle, Villa Maria, Pa.

A simple prayer 
John Paul II: Respected as Pontiff, Honored as Head of State, Revered as Priest, Beloved as Father. You have been a light to the world--set the world ablaze. Help us to live by your example as the best that we might be -- with your help continue to kindle the fire of Christ's Love.
—Annette M. Gagne, North Providence, R.I.

A wonderful lesson
Today in reflecting on the death of Pope John Paul II  it dawned on me that in death he has taught me a very great and wonderful lesson -- how to die with true dignity and courage.  
Though I never met or even saw John Paul II in person during the past 26 years I came to love and adore him because his love and faith in God helped me in my journey of faith. In celebrating the life of John Paul II it is absolutely wonderful how many millions of lives he touched and what a truly good and decent man he was -- a man of God. The world is a better place because of John Paul II.  Now he is at home with the Lord. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you.  And God bless you
—Michael McCafferty, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Footprints in the worldwide sand
John Paul was a beacon of light. In the concept of time, he shone briefly, yet his light touched us all. His warmth reached into the darkest and most alien corners of the globe and the world responded to the love he so generously blessed them with. John Paul leaves his footprints in the worldwide sands of time, a remembrance that he passed this way. His final journey took him through the bleakest night of agonizing Gethsemane - only to bring him into the brightest light of Easter morning. You are loved, John Paul!
—Erina Goff, Troutdale, Ore.

Finally finding the Pope
I am deeply ashamed.  After recently hearing and reading all about this spiritual man who lived his life to the same standards that Jesus Christ had during His time here, why didn't I notice Karol Wojtyla before?  Consumed by life's distractions, I simply didn't pay attention. I admit this with much humility and regret as many of my brethren did see, hear and follow, and so have benefited from Pope John Paul II's words.  His kind heart, and extraordinary faith in God and humanity have set an example for many generations to come.  Too often we discover in death what we have missed in life.  Pope John Paul II, I pray that you and our Lord will forgive me.
—Andrea Lavoie, Quebec, Canada

Pope of the people
How sad it is to loose such a loving, forgiving, peaceful man! He could make people laugh, and show kindness to those who needed it the most. He promoted around the world. He respected all religions. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and admired the arts. He was a pope for the people! He could relate to anyone. I remember seeing him on TV visiting in all different countries, touching the lives of so many people. It left me in awe of him. He is now at peace in heaven watching us all.
—Heather, Shrewsbury, Pa.

An atheist's tribute to the good shepherd
I’m 60, a man who long ago stopped believing in God, the types of God fashioned by man, the type of God believed in by John Paul II. But, on this day of grief, April 3, 2005, I honor, in my own way the passing of this great man. Even an atheist must honor a man like John Paul II. This man, this pope, lived the ideals that he professed, the ideals of Christianity, and did so aggressively. No sitting in Rome for John Paul II. He traveled the world with relentlessness; he movingly kissed the soil of each new land arrived at. He reached out to the sick, the poor, the dispossessed. He lectured the rich and powerful. He was conservative in the finest sense of that word, even for me a liberal, for he loved sinners and forgave them even while setting, through his agenda, very strict standards. His conservatism never seemed ugly, punitive, unforgiving. What stunning leadership. He fought communism and I wonder if the full story of his leadership against that doctrine will ever be fully known? A son of Poland, perhaps her greatest, his life span had allowed him to see close up the evils of the 20th Century’s enslaving doctrines. He used that insight wisely and relentlessly. Across the globe, wherever he went, the faithful would gather to catch a glimpse of this man who spoke of a better world. And so, even non-believers like me mourn his passing. We join the ranks of those who will miss him. And we smile with appreciation knowing that stubborn and skeptical though we may be, John Paul viewed people like us with love, tolerance and above all faith. He,through the experience of his decades, knew that ultimately faith is so much stronger than doubt. He was and will remain the good shepherd.
—Peter Twomey, Marshfield, Mass.

Living the Christian life
I am so saddened by the death of our beloved Pope John Paul II.  He showed us how to live the Christian life in the midst of tremendous suffering and illness.  His great theological insights are among the best since the times of the early church Fathers.  He will be missed, but we can know that he is in heaven watching over us.
—Shirley Soellner, Milford, Ohio

Well done, good and faithful servant
Pope John Paul II was an example, a role model for me as he shared his faith with people of all races or creeds - whether they were communists, aethists, or others that I have read in these emails.  He was a man of peace, love and forgiveness just like Jesus.  I have tears not of sadness but of joy knowing that he has done a remarkable job here on earth.  Well done, good and faithful servant.  You will be missed.  Your compassionate smile will forever be with me. Thank you, Pope John Paul II, for being my Pope these past 26 years. Have fun in heaven and if you see my Dad, Angel Alonzo, cousin Carol and favorite Aunt Nettie, give them a hug and kiss for me. 
—Angela Shull, Morton, Ill.

Let it be
How joyful it is that the tragic loss of a great leader can bring the world together in peace...if only for a brief moment...let it be.
—Jerry Matthews, Unalaska, Ark.

Legacy of love
As a "Cradle Catholic" I sometimes took for granted the presence and influence that the Pope has on the world at large.  John Paul II was so much more than just the leader of the Roman Catholic faith.  He was a kind, tolerant and charismatic man among men who saw the inner beauty of every person he encountered.  He knew that regardless of race, creed or philosophy all people deserved love and respect. I believe he spent his entire papacy proving that through his loving example.   He was a holy man, however he was not afraid to be human.  His mission was to respect life and promote peace to the entire world.  His sense of humor and genuine caring nature made him an approachable figure that all people could relate to and admire despite possible differences of theology or politics.  I believe his passing will have more impact on the world than any of us can imagine.  However, far more important is his legacy of love which hopefully will influence the people of the world for a long time to come.
—Cathy Simpson, Gardnerville, Nev.

The prime mover
A critically needed and decisive man of history, unique in these times, who now ranks with the greatest of all time and places, he was the prime mover who was able to sucessfully begin the ball of freedom rolling in the Communist bloc with a little help from his friends (Reagan and Bush) and he never forgot from whence he came, his faithful origins, his humble beginnings, and the ultimate humanity of the human condition we shared.  May he rest in eternal memory; history shall never forget him.  We were blessed to have him here and for the world to share him with us for the past quarter century to enlighten us all.
—Jeffrey R. Portko, Esq., Washington, D.C.

Peace and joy for this great man
Pope John Paul II is the embodiement of my favorite quote by Native American White Elk "When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced... live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."  I am so at peace and joyful for this great man who am certain will one day become one of our saints. He watches over all of us in heaven now.  He is home.
—Anita Schwartz

His spirit uplifts us all
Pope John Paul II was an inspiration and sign of hope sent from God into a spiritually needy world. As a non-Catholic cleric, I felt close to his example of pastoral care whenever I saw him on TV, or read his teachings. God has gathered him back to Him, and we are all better people because he touched us in so many ways. His spirit will continue to uplift us in our own journey through life.
—The Rev. James T. Akers, Anglican Priest, Madison, Kan.

MORE FROM CITIZEN JOURNALIST

Citizen Journalist Section Front

CJ Experience: Returning home to Arabi CJ: Giving Thanks CJ: Far from normal in Wilma's aftermath Frontline families' experiences CJ: A tribute to our troops CJ: Rebuilding homes and lives after hurricanes Citizen Journalist Section Front   Add Citizen Journalist headlines to your news reader: