On Saturday, April 2nd 2005, Pope John Paul II died. The world lost an inspiring leader, the Church a shepherd. In time of loss, it is important for us as Christians to remember and to celebrate the life of the one we miss. Pope John Paul was our Pope – a pope who seemed to live with us and touch us with his vibrant personality and engaging words. His death is the loss of a treasured friend. In saying goodbye to the shepherd of our Church, we celebrate his profound commitment to social justice, the needs of the poor, the dignity of each person and his unwavering opposition to violence and war – truly a man of peace. It is hard to forget his stance on that Ash Wednesday of 2000 as he apologized for God’s people’s sins against women, the Jews, Muslims and many others, reminding us all of our call to be men and women faithful to the Gospel. Who can forget this man, who though old in years, had a heart full of hope for youth – extending them an invitation to the life of the Gospel in the church? Without judgment and with a youthful glint in his eye, he accepted youth where they were at and challenged them to become God’s work of art. Who can forget his youthful and dynamic sprint descending down from the plane in 1984 on his first visit to Canada? Who can forget his faltering steps descending from a plane on his arrival to Canada only a few years ago in 2002?

We first met Pope John Paul II on our TV screen as a dynamic, lively and active man in 1978, and we journeyed with him as he gradually embraced the fragility of old age and sickness – he inspired us to see the beauty of God in all the moments of our life. “Do not be afraid” is his legacy to us, because the God of Jesus Christ will never leave us. God is with us in the vibrancy and in the fragility of our living … in life and in death. Without doubt, his broken body is transfigured and at rest in the loving embrace of God. At this significant moment in the life of God’s People, let us join our prayer to that of Pope John Paul II: May God give us a new Pope in the 21st century who will lead the Church in fidelity to the Gospel of peace and justice.
Until we meet again, Papa!