Goodbye to the Pope

It’s so saddening to learn about Pope John Paul II’s death. He was such a peaceful, religious and charismatic man. He seemed to draw crowds wherever he went. He gained respect not only from Roman Catholics but also from people of other faiths and beliefs. He exemplified the life of a true Catholic. He prayed a lot but didn’t stop there. He applied his faith. He wasn’t contented on staying in the Vatican and establishing the Church’s doctrines. He went around the world, talking to leaders and establishing good ties with different nations. He stood firm on his stands on different issues. He showed us what it meant to be Christ’s follower. He taught us to integrate the doctrines and what we learn from Christ’s life into every thought, word and action. He touched so many lives. He showed us how it is to be forgiving, respectful, humble, loving, prayerful & understanding.

I heard this from CNN: When someone asked the pope: Why don’t you step down? You’re so sick. He answered: Because Christ never stepped down from the cross.

He was definitely a pope who fought until his last breath for all of us. It will be pretty difficult to adjust into having a new pope as John Paul II has been in that position 11-12 years before I was even born. But I am pretty happy that he is now happy and resting in our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom & that we have a very powerful intercessor in heaven. I just hope and pray that the College of Cardinals will be guided by the Holy Spirit into selecting for us a pope who will be able to lead the Catholic Church well. I heard from 1 priest in The Correspondents, “It would be unfair to expect that the next pope can do what Pope John Paul II did,” I think that’s true but all we can do is trust that God will be the one selecting our new pope. Pope John Paul II was a surprise to the world so I wouldn’t complain if we get another surprise this time around. As I heard from CNN: They say that entering the conclave expecting to become pope is a sure way to exit the conclave a cardinal.