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April 3, 2005
What is Pope John Paul II's legacy?
Pope John Paul II, head of the Roman Catholic Church for 26 years, died Saturday at age 84. Born Karol Wojtyla in Poland in 1920, the pope constantly championed the value of human life, a viewpoint that helped the vocal nature of his struggles against communism and poverty, but he also made more controversial decisions about the Church's views on women, contraception and homosexuality. With John Paul II's passing, what do you think is his most important legacy?
 Send us your thoughts  To all that would cast blame for all the world's horrors on the Pope, believe this: he lived and breathed his faith. If his faith taught that premarital sex, contraception, abortion, euthanasia, unjust war and all the worldly strivings were immoral, he stood by what his faith has taught for 2,000 years. He has done nothing else with his life than it was his job to do: uphold the church's teachings. And yes, he has forgiven and asked for forgiveness for the wrongs of the Church, whether or not it was his to give. What a great man, and what a great leader. I am one American who loved him deeply and am grateful for the leadership he has provided, and I am not alone. May he rest in peace. Jean St. Louis, Mo.
While I admire much about Pope John Paul II, I am disappointed that he tried to reverse the gains made by Pope John XXIII through Vatican II. I hope the next pope is less autocratic and more open-minded.
Pope John Paul II's passing has taught us all the value and meaning of life and death, and that each day we as human beings need to devote at least one minute to God.
Destruction of the faith of millions, plain and simple. If this man was one of the greatest popes, then Judas Iscariot was one of the greatest bishops.
I really respect what John Paul II did for political freedom in Eastern Europe. But what did he do for the many thousands of women in Africa who now have AIDS because the Pope did not allow condoms? I trust the next Pope will be less perfect, and more wise.
In 2000, as a delegate of the Family Life and Marriage seminar, I was truly blessed to have met and kissed the ring of our beloved Pope John Paul II. I remembered when I knelt before him to receive his blessing, I was speechless but I felt such holiness and warmth from him. I regretted not having been able to say something. During the Pope's last days he showed such grace and strength, especially in his last Mass. He showed that words were not necessary, for his eyes expressed his faith, love and hope in the Church and touched more people worldwide.
Rigidity: The Church [acting] infallible in matters of pedophilia, birth control, contraception, stem cell [research], ad nauseum. Nevertheless getting a Ronald Reagan sendoff. [The Church] needs Cecil B. DeMille to really orchestrate the spectacle.
Pope John Paul II's legacy includes embracing all the world's people (Catholic or not), contributing to the fall of communism, and spreading the messages of Jesus Christ through example. May we all strive to live a life like his: of love, peace and happiness.
I think his legacy will be the warm light and love he showered on all he came in contact with—I do believe he is the last beacon of humanity in a world truly spiraling downward. I love and will miss him deeply.
The Holy Father's legacy is a deeply instilled responsibility by us to uphold his teachings and his examples. This wonderful man not only taught love, peace and more importantly, forgiveness—he lived it. It is a legacy of humility in the use of these virtues. If the world acts on his legacy, there will be no need for the horrors of wars and all the turmoil they bring.
Pope John Paul II was one of the greatest Popes in history. Karol Wojtyla humbled all of us, especially presidents, Catholics, cardinals and religious leaders from any other religion. He didn't care whether his message was heard or not, the most important was to have people admit "Pope was here, Pope cares about me..."
He lived and taught by the one and only government, the Bible. He never waivered in what he truly believed, no matter what. The Lord says to forgive and boy he sure did that, when he forgave the guy who tried to kill him.
The Pope's legacy? Strengthening the Republican Party's hold on the American political psyche. This Pope's ultra-conservative doctrine has increased the Catholic vote for candidates of the Republican Party and has thereby contributed to decreasing corporate accountability and increasing corporate control of the government in America. This Pope has been a partner with the moneyed powers in the corruption of the American government.
It is interesting to note that while Pope John Paul II upheld controversial views on women, homosexuality and contraception, he did only continue teaching what the Catholic Church has taught for over 2,000 years. His real battle was one for peace and for the end of the communist regime. May he rest in that which he always desired: peace.
Pope John Paul lived his life as close to Christ's life and Christianity as anyone I have ever known about. He has truly been a living example of what Christianity is about; not just talk about Christianity, he was a example for all mankind. I feel grateful to have lived when he lived, to see it for myself.
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Dec. 25, 2006
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