Our Pope passed away this morning. Everyone in the world was watching since he fell gravely ill on Thursday. Our TV was constantly tuned in to CNN where sporadic updates from the Vatican were interspaced with features of his life, his vocation, and his beliefs. He was truly a great Pope, the only one I ever knew. He was Pope when I was born, and in 26 years as Pontiff, he has changed the world.
One of the paradoxes in life is that great power can be bestowed upon only one man. The role of Pope is an example of this paradox. What is it like to have the ability to change the world? More importantly, what is it like to realize that you have this ability and use it for the good of others?
Pope John Paul II, as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, had tremendous power. He used this power to influence different sectors, not necessarily within the Church. He had the ability to change the world and he took the power in his own hands. He was our spiritual leader, but he was involved with many political issues as as well. He stood up against communism, terrorism, and the US war against Iraq. He took his stand on issues like contraception, abortion and same sex marriage. He evangalized and visited many countries. Pope John Paul II had indeed changed and left his mark on the world.
The question is, did he change it for the better? I guess the answer lies with his life and death.
In 1920, he was born Karol Wojtyla in Poland. Now, he died with millions of Catholics and non-Catholics mourning, praying, and thinking, John Paul II, we love you!
*photo taken from http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/04/02/ritual.pope.death/
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