Pope John Paul II Dead at 84

Posted on April 2, 2005

Pope John Paul II passed away today at the age of 84. Of all of his many accomplishments, I believe that his ecumenical outreach and recognition of Israel as a sovereign state will be his most lasting legacies. Considered a liberal on the subjects of religious tolerance and civil rights, he was the first Pope to set foot in a mosque and a synagogue. He traveled the globe to meet Catholics from all nations and to meet with leaders of other religions. His apology for the Catholic Church's actions during the Holocaust was a bold move, not appreciated by his native Poland. He rebuked President Bush for the Iraq War and remained opposed to that war to the end and tirelessly campaigned against the death penalty. His liberalism on these issues contrasted strongly with his ultra-conservative attitudes on abortion, euthanasia, birth control, celibacy for the priesthood, homosexuality and women's role in the church. Although embraced by the third world churches, those attitudes did not sit well with many American Catholics, especially the issues of birth control and not allowing priests to marry. A linguist, he was outgoing, caring and openly affectionate: all traits which endeared him to the public.

He was a complex and devout man who changed the Office of the Holy See in profound ways. May he rest in peace.