John Paul II:
In Memoriam

Compassion
The Holy Father has instilled upon the world love that he has shown for all of the world, not just those of the Catholic faith.  He has shown compassion; love, given great comfort to everyone, of every faith.  He is a wonderful example for the entire world to follow - one that he has received from God - following God's Word.
—Alene Knox, Nampa, Idaho

Arrival to God
My sorrow about our Pope is in my heart, carved deep and it is strong!  I am sure God will welcome John Paul II on his arrival, for his faithful service to Him and to us.  He will hold him in the palm of his hand!
—Crystal S., Miami Beach, Fla. 

My father
The Pope has done his work on earth. He has been a spiritual leader to me as a young lady until I became an adult. A Father who you could turn to for advice and a friend who is generous and honest. I have tears in my eyes at this time of his departure from this sinful world that has become evil. May God give me the strength to cope. May God comfort those that have to continue what he left behind.
—Joy Smith, Georgetown, South America

Inspiration
His suffering has been an inspiration to all of us who have had illnesses or seen loved ones suffer. God bless him.
—Wayne Levesque, New Orleans, La.

Exemplary life
I think he has led an exemplary life and I'm so encouraged that he has reached so many young people. God's will be done for this gracious man who has done a great job as our leader and I'm Catholic because of his steadfast leadership.
—Louise, Heflin, Ala.

Tears of light
My heart is heavy with sadness, yet tears I shed are not because he is gone.  I cry because the thought of him with the Lord outweighs my heavy heart, they are tears of light. Words cannot describe him, nor begin to show what a beautiful holy man he was.  The world will miss him, as so shall I?
—Angela Alexander, Kingsford, Mich.

Catholic in my heart
I am a non-Catholic who has long admired and respected this man and I am deeply saddened by his current condition.  I was still in high school when Pope John Paul was elevated to his position and I am now a 44-year-old man.  Things change, but the Holy Father has always been a figure of light and hope in an often ugly world.  Perhaps that is why he was chosen by God to do His work?  Perhaps I, too, am a Catholic in my heart?  I will continue to pray for John Paul but will accept — with great sadness — God's decision to take him.
—Doug Evans, Greensburg, Pa.

I disliked the song, but loved the singer
I am by no means a religious person. It's just not something that I believe in. However, just because I do not believe in the story does not mean I do not believe in the storyteller. John Paul II was a great man who touched millions of lives and will be greatly missed.
—Jeff, La Mirada, Calif.

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