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Celebration of today’s Mass in Sign of Hope
Outpouring of love for the deceased JPII has been overwhelming, the pelgrimage to the city of Rome has been unique.
People are camping out so they
can be close to the ceremony
As little as faith expressed by Catholics worldwide are part of news headlines, a pontifical reign of twenty-six years has left a powerful message.
A man of Peace who reached out to other religions —
As I listened to the radio interviews and watched very extensive TV coverage, the message from all persons who were touched by this remarkable man, have been focused on JPII being a kind, thoughtful and steadfast person in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Someone who uses all of his energy to reach out to others, not only his flock, but across obstacles to youth, his would-be assassin, the Jewish community of Rome, people behind the Iron Curtain, the followers of Mohammed and the Indian community. Leaders of states in all corners of the earth, perhaps in daily life sworn enemies, will come to Rome to pay their respects to this man of Peace. A true inspiration for anyone who seeks to be touched by religion.
By LOUIS MEIXLER, Associated Press Writer
ANKARA, Turkey – He was the first pope to visit a mosque and pray at Judaism’s holiest site, and he returned the relics of revered Orthodox Christian saints.
Friday will mark the first time the leaders of Orthodox Christianity and the Armenian Apostolic Church have attended a pope’s funeral. Iran and Syria are sending their presidents, and Israel is dispatching its foreign minister — top levels of representation never before seen at papal funerals.
Ali Bardakoglu, Turkey’s top Islamic cleric, said he shared “the grief of Catholics worldwide.”
The pope’s ability to bridge the divide between religions was aided by his common touch and keen understanding of the power of symbolism, which inspired even those who sharply disagreed with him on issues of faith. Many people seemed to warm to the pope and regard him as genuinely holy even if they did not share his religious beliefs.
The note he slipped into a crack in the Western Wall apologizing for the suffering of Jews over the centuries has been preserved in Israel’s national Holocaust museum.
For many Muslims, a key symbolic moment was when the pope stood in the ancient Omayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria, in 2001 and appealed to Christians and Muslims to seek common ground rather than confrontation.
JPII has become a giant of a person, a true leader in the footsteps of Peter, the one chosen by Jesus Christ to lead his flock and through 2,000 years this remarkable message of love of God, has recently been carried by Karol Wojtyla, a mineworker, actor, poet, sportsman and just a fine human being.
Pope John Paul II, his own pelgrimage to the Holy Land in 2000.
JPII in prayer during his visit
BBC – Journey of John Paul II – In Depth
Related Web Sites —
● Wikipedia: Pope John Paul II
● Pope John Paul II Cultural Center
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Cross-posted at dKos —
● POPE John Paul II – a Memorial
by Oui Fri Apr 8th, 2005
… and witness the hijack.
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité
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as He Went on His Last Journey through Peter’s Gateway
RIP Beloved Spiritual Leader of more than 1bn Catholics on this Earth. Polands Son of Krakow, the Best Poland had to offer its people, Rome, Europe and the World.
May God’s Grace be upon you and may your message forever bring Justice & Peace to all men of good will. May Your beloved Mother Mary beseech thee.
His Papacy and Leadership overlapped the period of five US Presidents:
Jimmy Carter | Ronald Reagan | George Bush #41 | Bill Clinton | George Bush #43.
I remember John Paul II today especially his role of support for Albania’s Daughter, Holy Mother Teresa of India.
The World will miss them.
Oui – Love – Hope – Charity
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Israel Radio: Katzav shakes hands with Assad, speaks Farsi to Khatami
AP - Israeli President Moshe Katzav, Syrian President Bashar Assadattend the funeral for Pope John Paul II on Friday.
AP/MSNBC News: JERUSALEM — Israeli President Moshe Katzav and Syrian President Bashar Assad shook hands on Friday at the funeral of Pope John Paul II, Israel Radio said.
It was believed to be the first time the presidents of Israel and Syria, two countries officially at war, have shaken hands. The Iranian-born Katzav also spoke at the funeral in his native Farsi with Iran’s president, Mohammad Khatami. The two conversed about the town where both men were born.
Iran officially seeks Israel’s destruction
Katsav and Assad, sitting one row apart, said “good morning” to one another and shook hands as the funeral got under way.
The Syrian leader then approached Katsav and shook his hand again after the ceremony was over, the report added.
Israel and Syria last held peace negotiations in 2000, which foundered over the future of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Syria has called repeatedly for the talks to resume. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said Syrian forces must first pull out of Lebanon and stop supporting Lebanese and Palestinian militant groups before Israel would consider negotiations.
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité
For a moving tribute to a great man.