In Case You Ladies & Gentlemen Have Not Heard...

[The Ringo Kid]

Though I am not Catholic, this Pope has been an icon in my life these past 25 + years. He will be missed by hundreds of millions of people. May he rest in peace.

Carl.

[InHarmsWay]

He was an icon in everyone's lives,i am a catholic myself.

May you go with god...

[SXViper]

My condolences to the the catholic church and the world.

[smokey]

may he now rest in peace he is no longer in pain or burdened with any illnesses. i am not a RC but for those who are he has gone to a far better place and may he be remembered for all the good things he did while he walked upon this earth

cheers smokey

[B5Erik]

I'm not Catholic either, but Pope John Paul II seemed like such a genuine guy that it was almost impossible not to like him. He wasn't afraid to visit places that weren't absolutely safe, and he was a huge advocate for world peace. I didn't agree with him on everything, but I had (and will always have) a great deal of respect for him.

He will definitely be missed.

[The Ringo Kid]

My first recollections of him was when I was in the 3rd grade at Epiphany Episcopol grade school. When he was being picked, the Nuns got everyone from all classes together gathered into the school's library where they had a TV set up in. I remember it took all morning and then we saw the white smoke meaning that they picked the next Pope. It really was a cool experiance for someone like me who is a Methodist.

I also liked the fact that this Pope really was an open person and down to earth. I remember seeing news of him on vacation somewhere either hiking in the mountains or skiing somewhere. Also, I think it was about 5 or so years after he became Pope, that he published a comic book about his life. He did this in order to touch base with younger people. I read the comic but regret I never bought it.

[Jay J. Foraker]

Today's (April 8, 2005) San Antonio Express included a section in tribute to Pope John Paul II with special emphasis on his visit to San Antonio in 1987. Very nicely laid out with some cherishable photographs. Other papers around the country, I would surmise, have done something similar this week.
Cheers - Jay ^_^

[The Ringo Kid]

Hi Jay, I remember his visit. At that time I was still living in Kingsville but I do remember his visit. If I also recollect, the Pope was made an honorary Texan as well.

[chester7777]

We, also not Catholic, have still had a deep respect for the leader of the Catholic church. This pope has done more for religion in general and freedom in the world than any other of which we are aware.

One of my memories of the pope is when the assassination attempt was made against him. I remember him bending down to pat a little child on the head who had a Fatima medal (or something like that) on, just as the assassin pulled the trigger and the bullet missed being fatal by a fraction of an inch. Who says God isn't out there when you need Him?

If John Wayne did "get religion" at the end as some say, maybe he and the pope are chattin' right now. :D

Chester

[The Ringo Kid]

Hi Chester, I too remember the assassination attempt on him but I never knew any details before such as what you just posted. Thanks for that. I say that was lucky of him. I remember that he forgave the assassin and he had also kissed him on the cheek or forehead? something like that.

You know, another thing I greatly admire the Pope for is that he chose to be buried in a simple wooden casket. I sure hope his successor will be even 1/10th as great as John Paul II was.

[InHarmsWay]

Have any of you heard that he may be chosen for Saint Hood?,I heard if on the radio this morning while on the way to clas - I do hope he becomes as Saint,like Mother Theresa he was an icon in many's eyes.

-IHW

[The Ringo Kid]

That's what I heard as well. I hope they do make him a Saint, he really deserves it for all he has done. :)

[Jay J. Foraker]

Public opinion seems to support his Sainthood. The Church has to go through its formalities and rituals to elevate Pope John Paul II to this status, but I think it will be sooner than later in the scheme of things.
Cheers - Jay :D

[The Ringo Kid]

Hi Jay, I hope so because I heard that it sometimes takes hundreds of years to elevate someone to Sainthood?

[Jay J. Foraker]

Hi Ringo -
It all depends on the person to be elevated to such reverence. Mother Theresa, I believe, is already revered as a Saint. I think there will be only a short time before Pope John Paul II is relegated to Sainthood.
Cheers - Jay :D