The Pope has passed away
 

Just thought I would start a thread and share some of my thoughts about the passing of John Paul II.

I know that there are many non-believers on the boards. I would consider myself one of them. Still, I do recognize that this was a remarkable man who did much to better the world. His reaching out to other religions is something that was unheard of before his reign. He was a courageous man who lived such an interesting life.

I am saddened by his passing. I think he was a man who had firm conviction in what he believed. I also think he was a compassionate and loving man who lived his life as a fine example of his faith and religion. I didn't agree with many things that he did or that the Catholic Church stands for. I do respect though that he did what he believed was right. I can respect him for the good that he did without agreeing with all of his beliefs.

I am happy that he is not suffering anymore. Parkinson's disease is a horrible illness. I wish him peace wherever he is and mourn his loss.

I know that a lot of people may not agree with these sentiments and I respect that. Again, I just think it is possible to have compassion and respect for someone who you also may strongly disagree with.

Your thoughts?

Wonderful sentiments MBC. I would agree with most of what you said.

I don't consider myself a "non-belliever," I just follow a different path than Christianity and Catholicism. This is not the time or place to air my grievances, so I shall keep to myself for now out of respect.

Two humourous bits: The Pope's plane is called "Shepard One." The other will only make sense if you are a fan of Mel Brooks' movies (particularly "Blazing Saddles" and "History of the World, Part I"), so Not Aclue won't get it. The Catholic commentator being interviewed on a news channel GusGus was watching referred to PJP-II as a "Gifted" Pope.

Rest in Peace Pope John Paul II. And a blessing to the Catholic church for a smooth and successful transition.

My sympathies to Catholics everywhere.

I found this description on selecting a new Pope for those interested.

I recall at one point he laid a lot of blame on the worlds ills on "atheism" - which I think, was a euphamism/synonym to him for communism. Still, replace that noun with a more familiar one, and it was hate speech pure and simple.

It will be interesting to see what the next Pope will bring.

My condolences to Catholics everywhere - and especially on this board.

I'm with you MBC.

I've been against organized religion for quite a while now. I think man telling man what their life is about is wrong. And the Pope is head of probably the biggest organization religion has.

But I can't help but be touched by who he was as a man, not as a religious figure. What his life ment, what he did, who he was. A man is measured by his actions and I don't think many can measure up to what he's done. Historically, he is one of a few that you will be able to say made the last century and back what it was. You think of figures like Abraham Lincoln, Jesus Christ, JFK and for better or worse, Hitler, Stallin, Gandhi, Martin Luthor King Jr. Mother Theresa, Walt Disney, etc. John Paul II was one of a small list that you could put in that sort of group. I think that is what this day is about. His death marks the end of a whole life of a man that was one of the greatest figures in the history of mankind.

What is also sad is that I don't think there is anyone living now that could be or become such an extraordinary soul and have the impact on the world as he did.

He was someone who inspired this non-Catholic in quite a few ways.

I remember when Sinead O'Conner ripped his picture up on SNL. I never quite understood that.

I was amazed at his effectiveness in assisting with the downfall of the Soviet Union. I think without him, Thatcher and Reagan have a much more difficult time.

MBC, good words, you wordsmith, you.

This week, when I was in Mexico, one of the guys who works for the organization we go through came and told me that he knew because we're a Catholic group that we'd want to know that the Pope received his "Last Rites." I admit I got a bit teary.

I was about three when he became Pope. He's basically the only Pope I've had. He was really awesome with teenagers. I'm stuggling to find the words to express what I'm trying to say, so I'll just leave it at that. I'm sad that he won't be at World Youth Day when we take the teens from our church this year.

I'm of course very interested to see the outcome of the conclave. But the confirmation coordinator in me cringes to think of all those Cardinals away from their diocese's during confirmation season.

I'm *very* sad today. I also just found out that my brothers' friend and former Ataris drummer Derrick Plourde commited suicide while I was away. :(