Pope John Paul II, a man of deep faith, will one day be canonised a saint by the Catholic Church. The Holy Father was an inspiration and a model witness to the life of Christ; a Shepherd of truth immersed in profound humility and immense love for both God and man.

His many writings and tireless, worldwide pilgrimages of faith have been a source of strength, encouragement, confidence, optimism and enlightenment, not only to Catholics but to all men of good will.

A champion of the poor and ardent exponent of Christian unity, the Polish Pontiff was in many and such capacities as teaching, governing and sanctifying, both a beacon of light and the salt of the earth.

Alongside his historic role in the fall of Communism, John Paul II was the world’s most influential and uncompromising defender of the dignity of human life.

His tenacious pleas for the development of a “culture of life” and parallel denunciations of the “culture of death” have been instrumental in rallying opposition to war, terrorism, abortion, euthanasia, contraception, and embryonic-tissue research.

I pray for his well-deserved heavenly reward that is promised by the Giver of every gift to his good and faithful servants.

Paul Kokoski

Hamilton, Ontario

Canada