Dân chúng Mỹ Châu nghĩ gì về ĐGH Gioan Phaolô II (Anh ngữ)
Hãng truyền hình quốc tế CNN đã yêu cầu thính giả trên khắp thế giới bày tỏ cảm nghĩ của mình đối với ĐGH Gioan Phaolô II vừa mới qua đời vào hôm thứ Bảy. Sau đây là những lá thơ trong số hàng triệu cái gửi về cho cơ quan truyền hình CNN qua địa chỉ WWW.CNN.COM. Truyền hình CNN đã chia các thư này theo từng lục địa. Hôm nay chúng tôi trích đăng nguyên văn các thư gửi từ Mỹ Châu để quý độc giả VietCatholic tham khảo.
I think he was a saint in the making. Twenty-three years ago my daughter was in her second bout with cancer. We were granted an audience with the pope and he blessed her. Her cancer is gone and she has been in remission for 20 years. He truly was/is a saint.
Paul Dombrosky; Honolulu, Hawaii
Pope John Paul II was one of the most influential people in the church and the world that I have ever known. It is amazing to see such a great person loved by all, even those who are not of this faith. He has been an inspiration to us all and has affected us in more than one way. His constant push for peace in the world has touched me, especially being in the Air Force.
Kevin Hooper; Elkridge, Maryland
In 1989, the pope came to Iceland, while I was stationed there with my family. While he was visiting, my wife gave birth to our fifth child, and we named him John-Paul. At the same time, my oldest son, who was 9, got the privileged opportunity to receive his first holy communion from the pope. I will always hold a special place in my heart for him.
Bruce Nance; Mansfield, Pennsylvania
When many people looked to the power of arms and the overtaking of other countries or people, the pope showed a world a peace that could not be duplicated. He showed a strength that few have by simply following his faith. As a man of God, he led others by example, even forgiving a man who tried to take his life. He ruled no country, but had the world follow him. He will be missed by more people than just one particular faith.
Wayne Peterson; Gray, Tennessee
Pope John Paul II [was] the only pope I remember. I was 12 when he became pope, and he is part of the reason I came back into the Catholic Church about five years ago. His death affected me more than I ever thought it would. In many ways, I felt I had lost a close family member. My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I know that he has been received into the loving arms of God. What a truly holy man he was.
Donna; Henderson, Kentucky
As a non-Catholic, I have deep admiration for Pope John Paul II. He was a "humble giant" who reached out to all people of all faiths. He was a champion of peace, a symbolic gesture of good will, and his legacy will redefine the Catholic Church for years to come. His death has brought a level of sadness unknown to me before. I only hope and pray that his successor continues to make efforts to reach out to all of humanity.
Phil Harris; Fort Washington, Maryland
John Paul II was the embodiment of the Vicar of Christ. He answered only to Jesus. He was not swayed by public opinion or the opinion of world leaders. He stood for truth at all times. His consistent stand for life included the unborn, starving children, workers, families, students, the elderly, the infirm and even condemned prisoners. Truth does not vary over time, neither did John Paul's moral teaching. He was an inspiration to all. As a Polish-American I lost not only my Holy Father but a fellow Pole as well. John Paul II acted with the Lord to free Europe from Soviet enslavement, yet that is not his greatest achievement. His example of what one man can do with faith in Jesus is his lasting gift to humanity.
Mark Stepien; Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Although I am not a Catholic, I was deeply moved by the tributes and remembrances that were given for the pope. Rarely do you find religious leaders who are truly of their faith and not their finances. The pope was a great leader and man. All religious leaders should pattern themselves behind him.
Rose; Asbury Park, New Jersey
It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to the leader of my faith, and the most inspirational man of my time. Pope John Paul II was a man of peace and love. Let his message and teachings not be in vain, let us continue to work on his mission of acquiring world peace. God bless, may you rest in eternal peace.
Tammy Dixon; Scarborough, Canada
I am not Catholic, but I am truly saddened by the passing of Pope John Paul II. He was a beautiful, caring and loving man. The fact that so many millions around the world are mourning him, that alone tells of the impact that he had on so many lives. It will be hard to fill his shoes. Goodnight, Sir.
Sonya Kidd; Niagara Falls, Canada
I had the opportunity to see Pope John Paul II in his visit to El Salvador. I was about 12 years old at that time and I will never forget what I felt when I saw him. I could feel an enormous peace in my heart, a notable and uncontrollable happiness lay between the hearts that saw him. A man that has changed my way of seeing things. Because people like him make better persons. He has now left us, but his legacy will always be carried and practiced. We will always remember Pope John Paul II and how he has reunited with God, I'm sure he is so happy right now. Rest in peace holy man. El Salvador, Central America, will carry you in our hearts forever.
Alejandra; San Salvador, El Salvador
Pope John Paul II was the constant force of good in my adult life. He helped me to grow closer to my adopted church and learn more about what it means to be a servant of God. He showed that it is possible to stand for what is right, even when it's not popular, and even dangerous. He was beyond anything I could have imagined a pope would be when he took office. He not only had the charisma that everyone is talking about now, but also he had immense courage and vision. There may be other good, even great popes, but there will never be another like him.
Peggy Wickham; Raleigh, North Carolina
John Paul II the great! The pope that is king of hearts. A man that walked the steps of a saint, that rode to countries to unite people.. .. We weep though he does not want it, for his godly aura and loving heart were always at hand. My beloved pope who loved my country Mexico. [It] is the greatest loss on Earth since Jesus himself died.
Mina Diaz de Rivera; Dana Point, California
I am Catholic. I have drifted away from the church because of profound disagreements with some of the its positions, but today I grieve. I grieve deeply for a brother of the human family. The world has lost a champion against injustice, who preached about the power of love and compassion and brought us hope.
Kees van Beelen; Pembroke, Bermuda
It's hard not to have great respect for anyone who stays with their beliefs for more than 80 years of life. The world needs more charismatic people who stand up for morality. With that kind of marketing there is a little less suffering in the world. Hopefully the next pope will be just as outgoing to fight against hunger, poverty, war and overall human suffering.
Christine Dumouchelle; Atlanta, Georgia
I was not even 2 years old when I met Pope John Paul II. I am from Newfoundland, and the pope had a Mass in a large field in St. John's. People had to be invited to receive Eucharist from the pope, and my parents were invited because of their work with our church. As my father walked up to receive the Eucharist, I was in his arms and as the pope gave my father Eucharist, he saw me and touched my face. Although I do not remember this, to know I was touched by this great man makes me feel special. He was an incredible man and our faith, and the world, has lost a great leader.
Daniel Furey; St. John's, Canada
I'm not a Catholic. To be candid, I'm not a religious person even remotely. And yet when I see this person, the Pope John Paul II, I've but an abiding respect and admiration for what he did for all of us and what he stood for. His parting gift to the world now, it seems, is a legacy the Catholic governance at the Vatican would find difficult to ignore now that the world has tasted the finest that a pope can deliver and stand for.
Saumen Sengupta; Utica, New York
A saint has passed among us. Yet I will echo a California man's regret that this great but conservative pope missed the opportunity to modernize the Catholic religion. J.P. II had the unique charisma and respected authority to accede women to priesthood and administrative command positions. May his successor pick up that task.
Fred J. Gauthier; Miami, Florida
His face in death did show the pain he went through, sacrificing and suffering in full acceptance, in total obedience to God's will. He might have, in his wisdom and in his beautiful heart wanted to show us that we too mortals can also choose to nobly embrace death, in humble reflection of our Christ's chalice of agony. Farewell and Godspeed our most beloved holy father Pope John Paul II. We know in our hearts that we have one more saint in heaven who will pray and intercede for us.
Celia Rivera; Dallas, Texas
Pope John Paul II was a globetrotter who took the gospel to almost every corner of the world. He did not change Catholic Church beliefs in order to gain popularity, or adapt Christian beliefs to popular convenience.
Arlene; Valencia, Venezuela
When I was 12 years old, in 1987, he passed by my side in a big avenue in Chile. I'll never forget that angelic moment. It was a difficult time in my country, and the pope was brave and brought the message of hope and love for all who believe. Before that, he gave peace for my country and Argentina. He gave us two saints, and always remembered our land with love. The sadness is in our souls and we know John Paul II will be very difficult to forget. We love him. It will be very difficult to replace someone unforgettable.
Juan Mestre; Santiago, Chile
Karol Wojtyla is a saint who made true the meaning of a savior who came to Earth because he loved man. I only saw him once as he whizzed by on his "popemobile" in 1982 as he came to console Argentines over the Falklands War. He was a shining presence. An incredible man who was everywhere at all times. We'll never see the likes of him again. May he bless us from heaven.
Lorraine Smith; Buenos Aires, Argentina
The world has lost a wonderful human being, Pope John Paul II. I had the fortune to see Pope John Paul II when he visited Peru for the second time in 1988. I was only 6 years old, but I remember him clearly. Thank you very much Pope John Paul II; we will remember you forever, and we will miss you. God bless you. Rest in peace.
Alexandra; Lima, Peru
Nobleman, simple man, humble, spiritual: An example of a true human being.
Antonio Silva; Cali, Colombia
I think that John Paul II was a world leader. He didn't worry only for Catholic people, he tried to join the people whatever. .. their religion. This is very important in a divided world where the people are very selfish and unprejudiced for the other person. I think that is the most important legacy that he had given to us.
Tatiana Alvarez Gutierrez;
Medellin, Colombia
I'm a 24-year-old student, born and raised Catholic. By the age of 15, I got a slap in the face by my mother in front of the church because I didn't want to enter the home of God. At that time I didn't believe in such things. After all, I didn't know what to believe in. I struggled through life not knowing what or in whom to believe. And therefore I went to many different churches of many religions. I talked to all kinds of priests and pastors, but still I wasn't convinced. Then I saw a documentary on this fine pope: Huan Pablo 2 [John Paul II]. And it all became clear to me: As long as you have faith, it's all good. After all, we are all children of the same God. I may not be the perfect Catholic and I may not even enter a church, but because of this holy man, I now know what and in whom to believe: God, our father in heaven. May the pope rest in peace and enjoy eternal life by our father's side.
Larissa Croes; Curacao, Netherlands Antilles
I love Pope John Paul II very much. When I knew he was dead, I felt a deep sadness about it, but also I was happy because he's finally in the presence of our lord. I respect him so much and I was praying and continue praying for him and his soul. God bless him now and ever.
Mapi Tomasevich; Lima, Peru
I feel a deep sorrow for the departure of John Paul II, the pope of peace, of unity, of hope, of immense love. He made this world a better place to live; he changed history. I also feel peace for he is with God now. And it's amazing to see millions of people from different religions all around the world united to mourn him, to pray for him and to pay tribute to him. Somehow, John Paul II's mission is accomplished.
Clara Pardo; Buenos Aires, Argentina
In Peru, we still remember the time when he approached the youth and spoke to us about our main mission on this planet. He touched my very soul like no other earthly being here. I remember well that we had to walk. .. for kilometers to reach him, but it doesn't matter now because we got the message. Now I have a radio show every Sunday and I use it for changing youths' minds, and always, to the light.
Helene Ramos; Lima, Peru
Being Greek Orthodox, I do not believe in the pope; however, I respect Pope John Paul II for his legacy and his quest for peace around the world. The world has lost a one-of-a-kind man; never again will we presence a holy figure of such proportions.
Nicolas Sobredo; Santiago, Chile
To me, he was the man who brought the church from the 17th to the 21st century. My first pope, the one and only. I cared so much for him, as he did for us. One great man. I'm having the feeling, as I'm 21 years old now, I'll never care for another pope as I did and do, for Karol Wojtyla [John Paul II].
Gaston; Buenos Aires, Argentina
I feel very proud to have lived through the 26 years of John Paul II's papacy. The pope was an example of dignity, humanity, peace and God's love. Of course, I feel very sad because we lost a great leader, friend. However, I feel very proud and happy, because we have one more good saint in heaven!
Ubaldo Diaz; Maracaibo, Venezuela
Although he was controversial over some religious and moral issues, Pope John Paul II is surely one of the most influential leaders of modern times. He confronted tyranny and the arrogance of political regimes and their leaders with a tenacious defense of justice and peace, the basis for domestic and world democracy. He [fought] against the widespread injustice in both the communist and capitalist worlds and firmly believed in and courageously preached in favor of freedom, justice, and peace for the whole world. His journeys throughout the world attest to it undeniably.
Haydn Pimenta; Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Juan Pablo II [Karol Wojtyla] was the most wonderful man over the world. He made us see the face of God in everything he did. For me, was a very important man. He, Juan Pablo II, made me feel the presence of God helping people, watching them, laughing or crying with everyone over the world. Yesterday, during a Mass in my country for his health, I know he was saying goodbye to Peru and to everyone here. .. and we also say "goodbye" because he is not going to be physically with us, but I am completely sure that Juan Pablo II is watching now us from the sky, with God and Virgin Maria at his sides. Goodbye, Juan Pablo II, a face of God on the Earth.
Susy Nunez Campos; Lima, Peru
Even as an atheist, I'm deeply sorry for the pope's death. He was a remarkably determined man, and his principles and beliefs, made him a soldier of peace, fighting every day for love and peace.
Martin; Rosario, Argentina
I feel like part of me is gone with him. A feeling of being unprotected, because he was like a father to all of us. There is an emptiness in me, sadness that goes beyond words.
Elsa Arosemena; Paraguay
I think his fight for love, peace and understanding between people, no matter what religion, what culture, what country they could come from is his great legacy. He was a great man, now he is a saint for me.
Julieta Pedrosa; Brasilia, Brazil
Hãng truyền hình quốc tế CNN đã yêu cầu thính giả trên khắp thế giới bày tỏ cảm nghĩ của mình đối với ĐGH Gioan Phaolô II vừa mới qua đời vào hôm thứ Bảy. Sau đây là những lá thơ trong số hàng triệu cái gửi về cho cơ quan truyền hình CNN qua địa chỉ WWW.CNN.COM. Truyền hình CNN đã chia các thư này theo từng lục địa. Hôm nay chúng tôi trích đăng nguyên văn các thư gửi từ Mỹ Châu để quý độc giả VietCatholic tham khảo.
I think he was a saint in the making. Twenty-three years ago my daughter was in her second bout with cancer. We were granted an audience with the pope and he blessed her. Her cancer is gone and she has been in remission for 20 years. He truly was/is a saint.
Paul Dombrosky; Honolulu, Hawaii
Pope John Paul II was one of the most influential people in the church and the world that I have ever known. It is amazing to see such a great person loved by all, even those who are not of this faith. He has been an inspiration to us all and has affected us in more than one way. His constant push for peace in the world has touched me, especially being in the Air Force.
Kevin Hooper; Elkridge, Maryland
In 1989, the pope came to Iceland, while I was stationed there with my family. While he was visiting, my wife gave birth to our fifth child, and we named him John-Paul. At the same time, my oldest son, who was 9, got the privileged opportunity to receive his first holy communion from the pope. I will always hold a special place in my heart for him.
Bruce Nance; Mansfield, Pennsylvania
When many people looked to the power of arms and the overtaking of other countries or people, the pope showed a world a peace that could not be duplicated. He showed a strength that few have by simply following his faith. As a man of God, he led others by example, even forgiving a man who tried to take his life. He ruled no country, but had the world follow him. He will be missed by more people than just one particular faith.
Wayne Peterson; Gray, Tennessee
Pope John Paul II [was] the only pope I remember. I was 12 when he became pope, and he is part of the reason I came back into the Catholic Church about five years ago. His death affected me more than I ever thought it would. In many ways, I felt I had lost a close family member. My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I know that he has been received into the loving arms of God. What a truly holy man he was.
Donna; Henderson, Kentucky
As a non-Catholic, I have deep admiration for Pope John Paul II. He was a "humble giant" who reached out to all people of all faiths. He was a champion of peace, a symbolic gesture of good will, and his legacy will redefine the Catholic Church for years to come. His death has brought a level of sadness unknown to me before. I only hope and pray that his successor continues to make efforts to reach out to all of humanity.
Phil Harris; Fort Washington, Maryland
John Paul II was the embodiment of the Vicar of Christ. He answered only to Jesus. He was not swayed by public opinion or the opinion of world leaders. He stood for truth at all times. His consistent stand for life included the unborn, starving children, workers, families, students, the elderly, the infirm and even condemned prisoners. Truth does not vary over time, neither did John Paul's moral teaching. He was an inspiration to all. As a Polish-American I lost not only my Holy Father but a fellow Pole as well. John Paul II acted with the Lord to free Europe from Soviet enslavement, yet that is not his greatest achievement. His example of what one man can do with faith in Jesus is his lasting gift to humanity.
Mark Stepien; Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Although I am not a Catholic, I was deeply moved by the tributes and remembrances that were given for the pope. Rarely do you find religious leaders who are truly of their faith and not their finances. The pope was a great leader and man. All religious leaders should pattern themselves behind him.
Rose; Asbury Park, New Jersey
It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to the leader of my faith, and the most inspirational man of my time. Pope John Paul II was a man of peace and love. Let his message and teachings not be in vain, let us continue to work on his mission of acquiring world peace. God bless, may you rest in eternal peace.
Tammy Dixon; Scarborough, Canada
I am not Catholic, but I am truly saddened by the passing of Pope John Paul II. He was a beautiful, caring and loving man. The fact that so many millions around the world are mourning him, that alone tells of the impact that he had on so many lives. It will be hard to fill his shoes. Goodnight, Sir.
Sonya Kidd; Niagara Falls, Canada
I had the opportunity to see Pope John Paul II in his visit to El Salvador. I was about 12 years old at that time and I will never forget what I felt when I saw him. I could feel an enormous peace in my heart, a notable and uncontrollable happiness lay between the hearts that saw him. A man that has changed my way of seeing things. Because people like him make better persons. He has now left us, but his legacy will always be carried and practiced. We will always remember Pope John Paul II and how he has reunited with God, I'm sure he is so happy right now. Rest in peace holy man. El Salvador, Central America, will carry you in our hearts forever.
Alejandra; San Salvador, El Salvador
Pope John Paul II was the constant force of good in my adult life. He helped me to grow closer to my adopted church and learn more about what it means to be a servant of God. He showed that it is possible to stand for what is right, even when it's not popular, and even dangerous. He was beyond anything I could have imagined a pope would be when he took office. He not only had the charisma that everyone is talking about now, but also he had immense courage and vision. There may be other good, even great popes, but there will never be another like him.
Peggy Wickham; Raleigh, North Carolina
John Paul II the great! The pope that is king of hearts. A man that walked the steps of a saint, that rode to countries to unite people.. .. We weep though he does not want it, for his godly aura and loving heart were always at hand. My beloved pope who loved my country Mexico. [It] is the greatest loss on Earth since Jesus himself died.
Mina Diaz de Rivera; Dana Point, California
I am Catholic. I have drifted away from the church because of profound disagreements with some of the its positions, but today I grieve. I grieve deeply for a brother of the human family. The world has lost a champion against injustice, who preached about the power of love and compassion and brought us hope.
Kees van Beelen; Pembroke, Bermuda
It's hard not to have great respect for anyone who stays with their beliefs for more than 80 years of life. The world needs more charismatic people who stand up for morality. With that kind of marketing there is a little less suffering in the world. Hopefully the next pope will be just as outgoing to fight against hunger, poverty, war and overall human suffering.
Christine Dumouchelle; Atlanta, Georgia
I was not even 2 years old when I met Pope John Paul II. I am from Newfoundland, and the pope had a Mass in a large field in St. John's. People had to be invited to receive Eucharist from the pope, and my parents were invited because of their work with our church. As my father walked up to receive the Eucharist, I was in his arms and as the pope gave my father Eucharist, he saw me and touched my face. Although I do not remember this, to know I was touched by this great man makes me feel special. He was an incredible man and our faith, and the world, has lost a great leader.
Daniel Furey; St. John's, Canada
I'm not a Catholic. To be candid, I'm not a religious person even remotely. And yet when I see this person, the Pope John Paul II, I've but an abiding respect and admiration for what he did for all of us and what he stood for. His parting gift to the world now, it seems, is a legacy the Catholic governance at the Vatican would find difficult to ignore now that the world has tasted the finest that a pope can deliver and stand for.
Saumen Sengupta; Utica, New York
A saint has passed among us. Yet I will echo a California man's regret that this great but conservative pope missed the opportunity to modernize the Catholic religion. J.P. II had the unique charisma and respected authority to accede women to priesthood and administrative command positions. May his successor pick up that task.
Fred J. Gauthier; Miami, Florida
His face in death did show the pain he went through, sacrificing and suffering in full acceptance, in total obedience to God's will. He might have, in his wisdom and in his beautiful heart wanted to show us that we too mortals can also choose to nobly embrace death, in humble reflection of our Christ's chalice of agony. Farewell and Godspeed our most beloved holy father Pope John Paul II. We know in our hearts that we have one more saint in heaven who will pray and intercede for us.
Celia Rivera; Dallas, Texas
Pope John Paul II was a globetrotter who took the gospel to almost every corner of the world. He did not change Catholic Church beliefs in order to gain popularity, or adapt Christian beliefs to popular convenience.
Arlene; Valencia, Venezuela
When I was 12 years old, in 1987, he passed by my side in a big avenue in Chile. I'll never forget that angelic moment. It was a difficult time in my country, and the pope was brave and brought the message of hope and love for all who believe. Before that, he gave peace for my country and Argentina. He gave us two saints, and always remembered our land with love. The sadness is in our souls and we know John Paul II will be very difficult to forget. We love him. It will be very difficult to replace someone unforgettable.
Juan Mestre; Santiago, Chile
Karol Wojtyla is a saint who made true the meaning of a savior who came to Earth because he loved man. I only saw him once as he whizzed by on his "popemobile" in 1982 as he came to console Argentines over the Falklands War. He was a shining presence. An incredible man who was everywhere at all times. We'll never see the likes of him again. May he bless us from heaven.
Lorraine Smith; Buenos Aires, Argentina
The world has lost a wonderful human being, Pope John Paul II. I had the fortune to see Pope John Paul II when he visited Peru for the second time in 1988. I was only 6 years old, but I remember him clearly. Thank you very much Pope John Paul II; we will remember you forever, and we will miss you. God bless you. Rest in peace.
Alexandra; Lima, Peru
Nobleman, simple man, humble, spiritual: An example of a true human being.
Antonio Silva; Cali, Colombia
I think that John Paul II was a world leader. He didn't worry only for Catholic people, he tried to join the people whatever. .. their religion. This is very important in a divided world where the people are very selfish and unprejudiced for the other person. I think that is the most important legacy that he had given to us.
Tatiana Alvarez Gutierrez;
Medellin, Colombia
I'm a 24-year-old student, born and raised Catholic. By the age of 15, I got a slap in the face by my mother in front of the church because I didn't want to enter the home of God. At that time I didn't believe in such things. After all, I didn't know what to believe in. I struggled through life not knowing what or in whom to believe. And therefore I went to many different churches of many religions. I talked to all kinds of priests and pastors, but still I wasn't convinced. Then I saw a documentary on this fine pope: Huan Pablo 2 [John Paul II]. And it all became clear to me: As long as you have faith, it's all good. After all, we are all children of the same God. I may not be the perfect Catholic and I may not even enter a church, but because of this holy man, I now know what and in whom to believe: God, our father in heaven. May the pope rest in peace and enjoy eternal life by our father's side.
Larissa Croes; Curacao, Netherlands Antilles
I love Pope John Paul II very much. When I knew he was dead, I felt a deep sadness about it, but also I was happy because he's finally in the presence of our lord. I respect him so much and I was praying and continue praying for him and his soul. God bless him now and ever.
Mapi Tomasevich; Lima, Peru
I feel a deep sorrow for the departure of John Paul II, the pope of peace, of unity, of hope, of immense love. He made this world a better place to live; he changed history. I also feel peace for he is with God now. And it's amazing to see millions of people from different religions all around the world united to mourn him, to pray for him and to pay tribute to him. Somehow, John Paul II's mission is accomplished.
Clara Pardo; Buenos Aires, Argentina
In Peru, we still remember the time when he approached the youth and spoke to us about our main mission on this planet. He touched my very soul like no other earthly being here. I remember well that we had to walk. .. for kilometers to reach him, but it doesn't matter now because we got the message. Now I have a radio show every Sunday and I use it for changing youths' minds, and always, to the light.
Helene Ramos; Lima, Peru
Being Greek Orthodox, I do not believe in the pope; however, I respect Pope John Paul II for his legacy and his quest for peace around the world. The world has lost a one-of-a-kind man; never again will we presence a holy figure of such proportions.
Nicolas Sobredo; Santiago, Chile
To me, he was the man who brought the church from the 17th to the 21st century. My first pope, the one and only. I cared so much for him, as he did for us. One great man. I'm having the feeling, as I'm 21 years old now, I'll never care for another pope as I did and do, for Karol Wojtyla [John Paul II].
Gaston; Buenos Aires, Argentina
I feel very proud to have lived through the 26 years of John Paul II's papacy. The pope was an example of dignity, humanity, peace and God's love. Of course, I feel very sad because we lost a great leader, friend. However, I feel very proud and happy, because we have one more good saint in heaven!
Ubaldo Diaz; Maracaibo, Venezuela
Although he was controversial over some religious and moral issues, Pope John Paul II is surely one of the most influential leaders of modern times. He confronted tyranny and the arrogance of political regimes and their leaders with a tenacious defense of justice and peace, the basis for domestic and world democracy. He [fought] against the widespread injustice in both the communist and capitalist worlds and firmly believed in and courageously preached in favor of freedom, justice, and peace for the whole world. His journeys throughout the world attest to it undeniably.
Haydn Pimenta; Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Juan Pablo II [Karol Wojtyla] was the most wonderful man over the world. He made us see the face of God in everything he did. For me, was a very important man. He, Juan Pablo II, made me feel the presence of God helping people, watching them, laughing or crying with everyone over the world. Yesterday, during a Mass in my country for his health, I know he was saying goodbye to Peru and to everyone here. .. and we also say "goodbye" because he is not going to be physically with us, but I am completely sure that Juan Pablo II is watching now us from the sky, with God and Virgin Maria at his sides. Goodbye, Juan Pablo II, a face of God on the Earth.
Susy Nunez Campos; Lima, Peru
Even as an atheist, I'm deeply sorry for the pope's death. He was a remarkably determined man, and his principles and beliefs, made him a soldier of peace, fighting every day for love and peace.
Martin; Rosario, Argentina
I feel like part of me is gone with him. A feeling of being unprotected, because he was like a father to all of us. There is an emptiness in me, sadness that goes beyond words.
Elsa Arosemena; Paraguay
I think his fight for love, peace and understanding between people, no matter what religion, what culture, what country they could come from is his great legacy. He was a great man, now he is a saint for me.
Julieta Pedrosa; Brasilia, Brazil