Pope John Paul II

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor ERIC T. LORETIZO Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The Catholic world, nay the entire world of humanity, has just marked the first anniversary of the death of the late leader of the Church who was mourned when he died as a friend, father, adviser and leader of millions. Pope John Paul II was that man, a truly blessed and gifted individual who will be long remembered by those who lived during his time as a rare specimen of humanity who could be truly called a man for all seasons.

The former Josef Karol Wojtyla was born in a small town of Poland, but he became the Pope who visited more countries and met with millions, both Catholics and non-Catholics than any of his predecessors. Before he became so ill from the ravages of Parkinson's Disease, he had visited more than 100 countries, met both their leaders and their common people and, most of all, connected with their young. Of all his accomplishments during his 27-year-old reign as the head of the Church, one of his most successful and most fruitful legacies was his establishment of the World Youth Day, during which he reached out to the youth who responded to him with the greatest respect and affection.

The Philippines is very fortunate to have been the host of two of his visits. There would have been a third, too, had his ailment not intervened. Despite his failure to come, he did not lose touch with the Filipino people, and showed his love and concern everytime a tragedy or disaster happened in the country. He may have done the same with other countries, but that was one of his special gifts, the ability to make those he contacted feel his genuine, affectionate concern.

Even in death, he must still be praying for the flock he left behind, and that they may have a shepherd with similar concerns as his. All those who knew him and loved him thank him and pray for him today, and thank the God Lord for sending such a man as Pope John Paul II to the world to leave so many changes. May he now rest, as he deserves, in eternal peace.*