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The passing of a great world leader
Nise's Notes
by Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
April 06, 2005
In a time of power struggle among nations — battles over democracy, freedom, oil, and simply money — there has been one world leader worried more about souls than cash, and that had the ability to draw people of all nations together. This weekend, that leader passed away.
The successes of Pope John Paul II during his 26 years in the papacy were felt by all of the world’s nations. He visited 129 countries outside Italy, making him the most traveled pope in the Catholic church’s 2,000 years.
Everywhere he went, thousands flocked for just a glimpse of the man. Young, old, healthy or dying, they made their way to anywhere he spoke or held mass. News media kept close watch on all he did, and spread his word to those who couldn’t be there in person.
Now, hundreds of thousands of faithful from many countries have traveled to the Vatican to pay their respects to the man that not only stood as a religious and spiritual leader — but as a world leader as well.
The news media is flooded with coverage of the pope’s funeral preparations, and with interviews of those remembering not only the man but all that he did in his life — personally and religiously.
Not everyone agreed with everything Pope John Paul II fought for, but all respected him.
In many cases, John Paul II remained steadfast in "old fashioned" beliefs as the fight for gay rights grew, and a push for artificial means of birthcontrol overtook abstinence as the preferred lesson to youth on how to avoid STDs and pregnancy.
However, he was a forward-thinking man, and in some cases ahead of his time. His fight against communism, and his work to strengthen relations with Jews and Muslims will forever have a positive effect in the world.
He fought for human rights and against war. He waged a battle against capitalism. He strived to make the church more encompassing and compassionate. He brought about changes that the effects of which will continue to ripple through the world for years to come.
We continue to be in a time of conflict, both abroad, with our troops still overseas in various countries fighting for the freedoms of others, as well as here at home at home in cases like the Terri Shiavo feeding tube battle. Our nation continues to be split over one topic or another, and the world lives with distrust between nations.
However, with Pope John Paul’s death, the entire world has taken a moment to reflect on the man and for which all he stood. Good or bad, whatever the opinion each person hold, his impact — and that of the church — has been felt for decades. He will be a tough act to follow for the next pope, but the reaction of the world to his passing gives me hope that there is still a lot of good to be found everywhere.
We live in a world of darkness. Hate, distrust, fear and anger seem to be on every corner. Pope John Paul II was a glimmer of light with hope and goodness. In death, his light has grown brighter, and the positive effects of his life are being honored and acknowledged.
I mourn the passing of a great man, but I rejoice in the life he lead.
Nise's Notes
by Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
April 06, 2005
In a time of power struggle among nations — battles over democracy, freedom, oil, and simply money — there has been one world leader worried more about souls than cash, and that had the ability to draw people of all nations together. This weekend, that leader passed away.
The successes of Pope John Paul II during his 26 years in the papacy were felt by all of the world’s nations. He visited 129 countries outside Italy, making him the most traveled pope in the Catholic church’s 2,000 years.
Everywhere he went, thousands flocked for just a glimpse of the man. Young, old, healthy or dying, they made their way to anywhere he spoke or held mass. News media kept close watch on all he did, and spread his word to those who couldn’t be there in person.
Now, hundreds of thousands of faithful from many countries have traveled to the Vatican to pay their respects to the man that not only stood as a religious and spiritual leader — but as a world leader as well.
The news media is flooded with coverage of the pope’s funeral preparations, and with interviews of those remembering not only the man but all that he did in his life — personally and religiously.
Not everyone agreed with everything Pope John Paul II fought for, but all respected him.
In many cases, John Paul II remained steadfast in "old fashioned" beliefs as the fight for gay rights grew, and a push for artificial means of birthcontrol overtook abstinence as the preferred lesson to youth on how to avoid STDs and pregnancy.
However, he was a forward-thinking man, and in some cases ahead of his time. His fight against communism, and his work to strengthen relations with Jews and Muslims will forever have a positive effect in the world.
He fought for human rights and against war. He waged a battle against capitalism. He strived to make the church more encompassing and compassionate. He brought about changes that the effects of which will continue to ripple through the world for years to come.
We continue to be in a time of conflict, both abroad, with our troops still overseas in various countries fighting for the freedoms of others, as well as here at home at home in cases like the Terri Shiavo feeding tube battle. Our nation continues to be split over one topic or another, and the world lives with distrust between nations.
However, with Pope John Paul’s death, the entire world has taken a moment to reflect on the man and for which all he stood. Good or bad, whatever the opinion each person hold, his impact — and that of the church — has been felt for decades. He will be a tough act to follow for the next pope, but the reaction of the world to his passing gives me hope that there is still a lot of good to be found everywhere.
We live in a world of darkness. Hate, distrust, fear and anger seem to be on every corner. Pope John Paul II was a glimmer of light with hope and goodness. In death, his light has grown brighter, and the positive effects of his life are being honored and acknowledged.
I mourn the passing of a great man, but I rejoice in the life he lead.
