To all Catholics, Christians, Muslims, and all other religions, even Atheists..

[Harkoliar]

I for one feel sad that he has to go because he is one of those figurehead and rolemodel the world needs. But im happy as well he will finally retire up in heaven and be drinking beers with God . (kidding of course ) but I am sure he will be going to a better place.

I am sure johnny meant no harm with his comment going down as some people may misunderstand it as "going down to hell if misread"

[Cerek]

Originally posted by Mack_Attack: I am a little confused. I mean such a holy man must be going up and not down. Would one not be happy for him?

You're right, Mack_Attack. The reports from the Vatican on Friday morning stated that the Pope was awake and very serene, despite his very poor physical condition. He knows his time has come and he is ready to move on.

Even though I'm not Catholic, it was painful for me to watch him struggling to speak to the faithful on Easter Sunday. It was evident that just standing at the window was a tremendous struggle for him. It will be a blessed release for him when his soul is released from the failing mortal shell containing it.

[Aragorn1]

Despite my not sharing in his (or others') beleif, i don beleive he has been a force for good in the world, and i have sommed times shared his view and held the same values, as well as sometimes being diomentrically oppossed. Stl i shall regret his pasing. He has shown that relgion can be a force for good in the world, as well as a source of conflict and strife.

[Stratos]

For us non-Catholics Pope John Paul II has been a symbol for Catholicism. It'll feel a bit strange when he's gone; he's one of those people you always think will be here.

[Mr. Mopery]

He's a fighter and a symbol who, for many Poles, stirs feelings of national pride, resentment of communism and profound faith.

It's going to be very strange when he's gone.

[Dron_Cah]

As for praying whether he lives or dies, i think he would prefer it if you pray for God's will to be done. I'm not real sure what that is, now, because of how long he is continuing to last, but may God continue to strengthen him. And I dunno, I wouldn't be surprised if him and the big guy cracked open a cold one up there. Or whatever the equivalent is. After all, drinking is not innately evil, but the debauchery that may come from it is, lol.
Oh, since someone asked, as a Catholic, I'm very sad to see him go. Of course, I am glad he is going to be with the Lord, but he will be sorely missed as a very powerful man of simply amazing spirit. I hope someday to have even a small fraction of the good influence and strength of that man. God has, and I hope continues to bless him. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[shamrock_uk]

Well, I'm anti-religious if anything, but I will truly be sorry to see this man pass away and feel for his suffering at this time.

He has done an awful lot to make sure that his role remains active and relevent in the modern world; insisting on travelling even after his attempted assassination for example when lesser men might have withdrawn to the safety of isolation.

I shall always remember him for the trip to the Holy Lands that he made - the symbolism was very powerful and it must have taken some personal courage on his part too.

Someone who manages to hold such fervent belief, yet still be cool-headed, rational and able to spread the word of tolerance is an inspiration to us all and will be a great loss to the world.

[Dron_Cah]

And it's over.
[img]smile.gif[/img]

[shamrock_uk]

May he rest in peace.

[Mr. Mopery]

Rest in peace.