The Pope

[subterranean]

I assume no one interested in his death. :)

I just like to say may he rest in peace. Though I'm not a Christian or Catholic (in particular), I think this man had some significant contributions to the world as a whole, especially in trying to build inter-religions/beliefs dialogues.
From what I read, he was the first and oly Pope who ever visited the islamic country Moroko and preached in a mosque there, in front of young Muslims.
He was also said as the man who played a role in bringing down the comunist/socialist or authoritarian regimes in many countries in the world and prevent the nuclear war during the era of cold war. Further, he was also the pope who ever travelled to more than 130 countries in the world, making him the first global pope that the Vatican ever had.

I guess he has succeeded in "preaching" the word Peace through action. Hope now he's in the place where he wished for when he was still alive.

[baddad]

Nice sentiment Sub. Advcocates for religious causes usually find themselves under attack for their supposed superstitious beliefs when posting on this forum, as you well know. But it is difficult to dis' anyone who believes that the notion of peace is both worthy and attainable.

[Koa]

Well, he was great as a historical figure in my opinion... The next one will have to live in his shadow no matter what.

[mono]

Thank you for beginning the thread, sub. Like you, I cannot label myself as a Catholic or Christian (though, once, baptized as Catholic), but Pope John Paul II no doubt contributed to much peace during his reign, politically and spiritually.
R.I.P. Karol Józef Wojtyła (I hope I spelled that correctly).

[lhaeber]

Anyone watch his funeral? I'm sooo tired, it was all night. I can see why people go to these big, grand churches for events like mass, it was beautiful, the singing, the colours of their cloaks waving in the wind, the organ, the choir, absolutely brilliant.

[Chava]

1. The pope contributed to overpopulation.
2. I suppose he could be considered a "Freedom Fighter", and if so, wouldn't that require some changing of definitions?

[Miranda]

I haven't been here in awhile but Hello from Miranda. I am a Christian but Protestant not Catholic and I don't agree with the Pope's views on birthcontrol either. But I think He was a great man, uncompromising in the things he believed, especially his antiwar stance. Yes he could be considered a 'Freedom Fighter' and it proves that there is more than way to fight oppression. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says 'blessed be the peacemakers' and the Pope was a peacemaker in word and deed. He has also bridged the gap between Catholic and Protestant..as you can see.

Miranda


1. The pope contributed to overpopulation.
2. I suppose he could be considered a "Freedom Fighter", and if so, wouldn't that require some changing of definitions?

[Monica]

R.I.P. Karol Józef Wojtyła (I hope I spelled that correctly).

Where did you get Polish ł and ó from? Just curious :D

[Monica]

In my country the Pope was a real hero. The official mourning finished on Friday but still everyone looks as if they were crying the whole time.
I'm happy he was my compatriot.

[Helga]

I am not a Christian or a Catholic, or of any other religion, but it has been a dream of mine for years to listen to John Paul II bless the crowd, I even learned Latin for that reason. He was a great man, and even though he was not a religous leader to me in any way he was a amazing. I saw the funeral, well a part of it and I thought it was beautiful. It was in the morning and 'till noon here so I didn't loose sleep like some of you.

I will have to find a new dream now, maybe Latin will be come in handy some day.

[Shea]

I have qualms about Catholicism as many of you know, but I went to one of those World Youth Day things and I thought that he was a very nice man. The thing that impressed me most was how many languages he spoke!

I've been rather annoyed however, about some newspapers printing certain things as fact when they are only beliefs of the Catholic church. One newspaper called him "The Shepherd of the World". He wasn't my shepherd.

[papayahed]

I have qualms about Catholicism as many of you know, but I went to one of those World Youth Day things and I thought that he was a very nice man. The thing that impressed me most was how many languages he spoke!

I've been rather annoyed however, about some newspapers printing certain things as fact when they are only beliefs of the Catholic church. One newspaper called him "The Shepherd of the World". He wasn't my shepherd.

I'm quasi catholic and I had problems with a lot of what the new media was saying. I especially loved when they were talking about the "front runners" to be the next pope. hehe what a crack up!!

[Koa]

I'm actually wondering why all of sudden everyone is in love with him... I have feeling that people that never really cared about him are now crying out hlow special he was for them... Whatever. As I said he was a wonderful historical figure, a charismatic man who believed what he was doing and who represented well what he needed to represent... But I won't hide that I didnt really appreciate him to have him on the news every single sunday with a summary of his preaching of the day... It was like 'yes, we really are a catholic country'.

[Monica]

I'm actually wondering why all of sudden everyone is in love with him... I have feeling that people that never really cared about him are now crying out hlow special he was for them... Whatever.


We in Poland always cared for him but that's natural, I suppose. I think that everyone is suddenly in love with him because sometimes you appreciate somebody or something when he/she/it is gone...

[IWilKikU]

... he was the first and oly Pope who ever visited the islamic country Moroko and preached in a mosque there, in front of young Muslims.
He was also said as the man who played a role in bringing down the comunist/socialist or authoritarian regimes in many countries in the world and prevent the nuclear war during the era of cold war. Further, he was also the pope who ever travelled to more than 130 countries in the world, making him the first global pope that the Vatican ever had.


These are the reasons that Christians, non-Christians, Catholics, and non-Catholics alike are mourning his passing. He was a humanitarian. Thats somthing that even atheists like you and me should be able to respect.

[baddad]

True equality? Religious organizations living up to their word and representation of the people whom they claim to speak for? Fine, Great!!! I want to see the next Pope come form latin America, or Africa, where a large percentage of chrisitians live. Bets anyone??

[Miss Darcy]

From what I hear, the Pope was a good man...helped the poor and all...pity he didn't take up acting instead of the church...he was considering acting you know...

I guess he could influence the world better as a pope, though. :)

[Koa]

We in Poland always cared for him but that's natural, I suppose. I think that everyone is suddenly in love with him because sometimes you appreciate somebody or something when he/she/it is gone...

I'm sure the Polish always cared, the first Polish person I've ever met basically introduced herself as 'I'm from poland and in Poland we are very religious' ;) so i consider Poland the only country that is more Catholic than Italy :) And I'm sure that you are all prosu of having had such a great man coming from your country. But no, I don't think that everybody is realising now how special he was...some people sure did, but I think a lot are just following the mass and mourning even if they barely knew who he was. It's like, nowadays there are lots of tv shows on Mtv or such channels where kids send sms and for days and days every single kid in italy was mourning about the pope...come on, I dont thinkt hat millions of teenagers suddenly realised. Some of them surely did, but some others will just forget all this like they forget the latest fashion. And I take kids as an example but I think a lot of adults are the same...just following the mass.

[Monica]

I agree with you that most of the people don't really realise what's happening and they just do what everyone else does, it's like following a trend or new craze. But hopefully maybe something good will come out of it all and his death will somehow contribute to some goodness.
I don't think Poland is more Catholic than Italy :D But then, I don't know your country very well so I may be wrong.