April 02, 2005

His Holiness John Paul II 1920-2005

With one of his oldest friends and fellow priest holding his hand, Pope John Paul II left this earthly life today.
His last word was "Amen."
Would God that I could live such a life as his and die such a death.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
As for those of us still left here in this "vale of tears," this Pope's first words as the Supreme Pontiff still apply:"Be not afraid."

The Pope Blog is a treasure trove of posts in the wake of the Holy Father's passing:
The Pope Blog: Vatican Announces Pope's Death

Vere Papa mortuus est
In Latin, "The Pope has truly died," are the words that the Cardinal Camerlengo Eduardo Martinez Somalo pronounces to verify the death of Pope John Paul II.

Psalm 130 is also recited by the Camerlengo: "Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD. ..."

Any prelates present with the Pope when he dies join together in saying, "Subvénite, Sancti Dei; occúrrite, Angeli Domini: Suscipientes animam eius. Offerentes eam in conspectu Altissimi." ("Come to his aid, Saints of God; race to meet him, Angels of the Lord: Receive his soul and present it in the presence of the Most High.")

Here's what President Bush had to say about the Pope's death:

Laura and I join people across the Earth in mourning the passing of Pope John Paul II. The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd, the world has lost a champion of human freedom, and a good and faithful servant of God has been called home.

Pope John Paul II left the throne of St. Peter in the same way he ascended to it -- as a witness to the dignity of human life. In his native Poland, that witness launched a democratic revolution that swept Eastern Europe and changed the course of history. Throughout the West, John Paul's witness reminded us of our obligation to build a culture of life in which the strong protect the weak. And during the Pope's final years, his witness was made even more powerful by his daily courage in the face of illness and great suffering.

All Popes belong to the world, but Americans had special reason to love the man from Krakow. In his visits to our country, the Pope spoke of our "providential" Constitution, the self-evident truths about human dignity in our Declaration, and the "blessings of liberty" that follow from them. It is these truths, he said, that have led people all over the world to look to America with hope and respect.

Pope John Paul II was, himself, an inspiration to millions of Americans, and to so many more throughout the world. We will always remember the humble, wise and fearless priest who became one of history's great moral leaders. We're grateful to God for sending such a man, a son of Poland, who became the Bishop of Rome, and a hero for the ages.

Amen, President Bush.

Kathy Carroll, authoress of One Clear Day, has some beautiful reflections on the Holy Father's passing which echo my own:A Man for All Ages

Blogger Don Singleton has lots of wonderful pictures of the Pope and a comprehensive and thoughtful biography of the Pope's life.

In his last message written shortly before his death, the Pope told us to have joy and not to weep:

As the end approached, history's best travelled and third longest serving pontiff had urged his followers not to cry for him by dictating a message to his secretary.

"I am happy and you should be happy too," he said. "Do not weep. Let us pray together with joy."

What can we Christians do but give thanks to God joyfully for sharing with us and blessing us with the life of this extraordinary, pious, godly and loving man, even though his earthly presence will be sorely missed?
Amen and Addio.