The Pope’s death has united Catholics and non-Catholics the world over to

commemorate a larger than life personality that has influenced events around the globe for over two decades. The grief of the Maltese people was no less than the grief anywhere else in the world. Various statements were received about Pope John Paul II yesterday, celebrating the life of this most charismatic of Pontiffs.

PN bids farewell to John Paul II

The Nationalist Party yesterday joined the myriad of organisations and private individuals who expressed their sorrow at Pope John Paul II’s death with a statement.

“The Nationalist party joins the rest of the world to bid farewell to one of the greatest leaders of the past century and the one that has just begun,” the statement said.

“Over the past 26 years, Pope John Paul II was in constant contact with the people. He felt comfortable with everyone, making no distinction. He had a message for everyone, be they political leaders or the common and poor people. That is what made him relevant and of great inspiration not only to Catholics but to the world at large.”

Pope John Paul II always spoke about justice in practice and attracted the attention of the powerful, emphasising that they should take care of the weak under their responsibility, the statement continued. “The Pope never held back from openly criticising people in power, whenever he felt that it was needed. He believed and wanted people to be free.

“He did not choose an easy pontificate but, on the contrary, led a challenging papacy, to the extent that he became the first Pope to pray in a synagogue and a mosque. His contribution changed the world and was instrumental in changing Europe’s geography and political system with the fall of communism.

“The Pope was a man who derived his strength from his humility and ability to forgive. He gave ample proof of this when he forgave the man who tried to kill him. Particularly in his last days and hours, the Pope gave testament to how pain and suffering is a gift that should be accepted. His death bed became an opportunity to impart a lesson on how to deal with suffering.

“The world has lost a great leader who ushered in a revolution,” the statement ended.

Contribution to youth

The European Students’ Forum (AEGEE) also issued a statement expressing their sorrow at the news of the Pope’s death.

“His contribution to the world of Youth and towards fostering a culture of peace will hopefully encourage many to follow in his footsteps. The concept of a union of European states as a tool to bring justice and peace has always been at the heart of the Pope’s values,” the statement added, “which values we share as part of our founding principles.

“His greatest contribution, however, remains the opening of a dialogue with young people of every race, gender and religion,” the statement ended.

A man of freedom and justice

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo has expressed deep sorrow at the death of Pope John Paul II.

Dr Vassallo said: “Malta joins the rest of the world in mourning a man of freedom and justice. Pope John Paul II was a world leader who embraced peace, human rights, solidarity and social justice and whose legacy will last forever.”

'Thank you Karol' - KNZ

The National Youth Council (KNZ) also issued a statement yesterday in which they expressed their grief for the loss of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

In their statement signed by Vice-President Leonard Caruana, KNZ said that during his 26-year pontificate, the Pope had dramatically changed the face of the Catholic Church. “By means of the phrase with which he launched his pontificate, that is, “Open your doors to God”, the Pope opened the doors of the Church to all people, irrespective of colour, politics or creed. The Pope changed the Church’s philosophy to an inclusive philosophy wherein he gave major importance and a most prominent place to young people.

During his leadership, the Pope actively worked to see the fall of Soviet Communism and the end of the cold war and worked ceaselessly for peace between nations.

He was outspoken in favour of fundamental human rights and actively worked to bring different religions closer.

“KNZ wants to formally thank HH John Paul II for his contribution towards the inclusion of young people in all aspects of society and also for the great trust he has placed in us. Thank you Karol,” the statement ended.

Mass for Pope John Paul II to be celebrated tomorrow

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca will be among the Maltese Church dignitaries celebrating Mass at St John’s co-Cathedral at 6.30pm tomorrow in memory of Pope John Paul II. The Mass will be said by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Felix del Blanco Prieto.

In a statement, the Maltese Curia said the Mass will serve as an opportunity for local believers to thank God and show their appreciation for the way in which the Pope led the Church during his papacy. It will also serve as a way of thanking the late Pope for the special attention and love he had for Malta and for its people.

Archbishop Mercieca said all churches in Malta and Gozo should toll their bells for 30 minutes at 7pm.

The Archbishop’s Curia will be kept closed today as a sign of respect.

Pope led by example – President Edward Fenech Adami

President Edward Fenech Adami yesterday sent a letter of condolence to His Eminence Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, expressing his grief at the demise of Pope John Paul II.

“On behalf of the people of Malta, may I express my deepest sympathy on the demise of our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. Our Pope was a man of great humanity witnessed not only by the Catholic Church but by all nations and faiths. Pope John Paul fostered dialogue and understanding among all, led by example and was an extraordinary moral voice for the world.

“We in Malta have had the honour of receiving the Holy Father twice; we treasure the memories of his visits. His strong convictions coupled with his humility will always be remembered. Pope John Paul’s courage and charisma enhanced the effective role of the papacy in world affairs. His death is a great loss to all,” he said in his letter.

An inspiration – Jose Manuel Barroso

EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso also sent the Vatican his condolences.

“I wish to express my deep sorrow on learning of the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. To the Vatican and to the entire Catholic community, the European Commission offers its condolences. I send a special message of solidarity to the Polish nation which has known in Karol Woytjila one of its most distinguished sons,” he said.

“John Paul II will be remembered as someone who played an essential role in the reunification of Europe and in the advance of ideas of freedom and democracy in our continent. Europeans will never forget his struggle for peace and human dignity.

“I had the enormous privilege of knowing this great European and world figure,” Mr Barroso said.

“His disappearance leaves a void in the hearts of all those, believers and non believers, who have been inspired by his example of courage and humanity.”

A guiding light – Lawrence Gonzi

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi joined the rest of the world’s leaders and statesmen who, over the past two days have been sending their condolences to the Vatican, following the death of the Pope.

In a letter addressed to the Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, Dr Gonzi wrote: “On behalf of the Government and the People of Malta, please accept my most sincere condolences on the demise of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

“I am sure that the life of His Holiness will continue to serve as a guiding light for the Catholic world and an inspiration to all people of different faith and belief. He symbolises the genesis of a new politics of hope with the power of transforming the world we live in.”

The Prime Minister said that the Pope will always be remembered for his role in the reshaping and reunification of Europe through the fall of communism and the healing of the divisions that had marked the continent since World War II.

“He has been instrumental for the restoration of peace, solidarity and democracy amongst nations, and a supreme and tireless advocate in the battle against poverty, the struggle for justice, the protection of human life and the promotion of human dignity.

“It is with deep gratitude and joyful memories that the people of Malta recall the two visits that His Holiness honoured us with.”

Pope was a hero – Alfred Sant

Opposition leader Alfred Sant described the late Pope John Paul II as a hero who managed to combine holiness with the ways by which people should continue sustaining the values they believe in.

In a statement, Dr Sant said the Pope was a hero until the very end of his life, especially due to the courage with which he battled against his illnesses and health scares, even though he knew that there was no cure for what he had.

Dr Sant said that even for those who did not agree with his thoughts, one cannot but admire the courage with which he defended his beliefs. He said the Pope fought to bring down Nazism and Communist regimes, against the ever-rising force of capitalism and against the poverty which affects third world countries.

He said that the Pope had practiced his beliefs throughout his entire life: from his youth, while he was still studying, to when he became a priest, then a bishop and finally a Pope. He said the Maltese had admired and experienced the Pope’s humbleness during his two visits to Malta which had left a lasting impression on him. Dr Sant also referred to the late Pope as a poet, who believed in what he said.

Coincidence or not?

Some people might say it’s a coincidence but others think it’s downright bizarre. All the lotto numbers drawn at 7.30pm on Saturday evening – two hours before Pope John Paul II passed away – can be connected to the late Pope.

The first number drawn was 58, Pope John Paul II’s age when he was declared Pope in 1978 – the youngest Pope of the 20th century.

He succeeded Pope John Paul, who died after only 33 days in office. This number was also drawn in Saturday’s lotto draw.

The Pope died at 21.37 on Saturday evening, and these two numbers were also drawn in Saturday’s lotto.

The last number drawn was 85 – Pope John Paul II’s age next birthday, which he would have celebrated in June.