Pope John Paul II

This is not so much an opinion, but a brief appreciation.

John Paul II was for, as for so many, literally the only pope I have ever known. What I knew about him before his passing was simple. I knew that he was a man of conviction and faith. He was a true man of God. That simple observation has only been bolstered with the wave of information about his life that has come to the forefront.

I did not always agree with his stances (perhaps obviously if you have visited my blog before) but that does nothing to lessen my admiration of him. Not too long after his death, he was dubbed John Paul the Great. Mourners at his funeral (rather boisterously) called for his cannonization. His true dedication, faith and ability to reach across all lines, in my eyes, was truly great and even saintly.

John Paul II did indeed rather large shoes to fill. For now, though, I am not going to worry about the future. I am content to simply remember and honor a man who, perhaps above all, was not afraid and completely devoted.

Last Words: Santo Subito! (Saint Immediately! or Saint Soon!)