The Passing of Pope John Paul II

By Mike Chandler

            During the past ten days or so we have been able to witness what, hopefully, will prove to be one of the most effective, long term antidotes to Islamic extremism and with it the brand of terrorism it nurtures.

            During the period when Pope John Paul II began slowly and, by all accounts, peacefully to succumb to his illness, thousands and thousands of Catholics have travelled to the Saint Peter�s Square in Rome to pray and to be as close as possible to him, offering their prayers and their support.  Then, after he died, millions have made the pilgrimage to Rome, waiting quietly and patiently for up to twelve hours to file past his body, flanked by the Vatican Swiss Guards, as he lay-in-state in St.Peter�s Basilica.  Today, Friday 8^th April 2005 millions more, all around the world, have joined in what has been described as the biggest funeral service ever seen.

Present at today�s Service of Resurrection in St. Peter�s Square were heads of state and/or their representatives from 200 countries from all across the globe, including those of Jordan, Syria, Gulf States, Iran and many other Muslim countries. Along with them were the clergy, not just those from the Roman Catholic world church, but every other religion, including many of the Islamic faith.

If ever there was a sign and the opportunity for a renaissance of secularity and religious tolerance, it was today, not only in Rome but in many cities around the world.  In Iraq, Lebanon, Poland, the Philippines and Syria, for example, people have watched on giant television screens and prayed along with the service being beamed from St.Peter�s Square or held their services of their own.

The other long term factor that is worthy of note is the vast numbers of young people who came to pray for the Pope and then to pay their respects, to thank him for his leadership over the past twenty-six years and bid him farewell. The number of young people is very significant, as they are, as the Pope himself said, the future of the church and it is they who can ensure that the religious tolerance necessary for a more peaceful world becomes a reality.

Let us hope that today will mark that turning point; that politicians, the clergy of all religions and civil society will join together in a strong global campaign against terrorism.  Pope John Paul II has not been without his critics, but the scenes in Rome and elsewhere, of the past days are a magnificent tribute to what he has achieved and for what he stands. Whoever is the next Pope has a difficult act to follow.

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