There are very few great men we can point to in recent years. However in Pope John Paul II, it can safely be said that there was greatness in abundance.


Despite anything that might be said in criticism (and there are some valid criticisms), there is more than enough in Pope John Paul II’s life that qualifies him for greatness. He did things that no other pope in history has come close to doing, or might even have dared to do. Many frontiers have finally been rolled back for good.

Here are just a few of the acts that the world can be grateful for:

(1) Pope John Paul II was instrumental in the fall of Communist dictatorship and oppression throughout Eastern Europe, but most especially in his home country of Poland.

(2) His huge number of international visits finally took the leadership of the Catholic Church out of the walls of the Vatican, and brought it directly to the people all over the world, where it was most needed.

(3) Pope John Paul’s work towards achieving reconciliation with the Jewish people, and his prayers at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, are truly remarkable and praiseworthy. Let us hope that it is built upon.

(4) Pope John Paul was the first pope EVER to set foot inside of a mosque, let alone offer prayers there. Again, a truly wonderful and praiseworthy act, especially since it was done when he was so very old.

(5) He was a fearless advocate for peace, and always stood against war. In the most recent Gulf war, he was did not hesitate to criticize “The Bush” publicly, which was the correct thing to do.

(6) In his death, Pope John Paul displayed tremendous heroism, dignity and a never-failing sense of duty to his flock. He faced his final departure bravely, calmly and with full consciousness, preparing himself fully for the realm before him. This is a tremendous example to us all.

Yes, it may be true that the figure of an ancient stooped man, crippled with Parkinson’s disease and Arthritis, might seem to be an inappropriate image for the dynamic eternal spirituality that the Church wishes to stand for. And yes, it is true that in some issues - such as the Church’s attitudes to women, towards contraception, and towards tackling poverty in South America - it might be justifiably said that he did not advance matters at all.

However, there are so many outstanding achievements, only a few of which have been numbered above, that we should all be happy and grateful to witness such an excellent example of how to live and die well, as we did with Pope John Paul.

Pope John Paul will be missed. Let us hope that the new pope can build on the promise and the legacy that he has left the world.

Copyright Asoka Selvarajah 2005. All Rights Reserved.

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Asoka Selvarajah is a writer on personal growth and spirituality, and the author of “The 7 Golden Secrets To Knowing Your Higher Self”. His work helps people achieve their full potential, deepen their understanding of mystical truth, and discover their soul’s purpose. You can subscribe to his FREE ezine, and get his FREE ebook “Inner Light Outer Wealth” at: http://www.aksworld.com/AspireToWisdom.htm?imk=Blog _____________________

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