Murphy's letter from Edinburgh

 

Rest in peace Pope John Paul ll

Today Pope John Paul ll was laid to rest after the service at the Vatican.  This was a Pontiff who had traveled the world and commanded a great respect from religious leaders and politicians worldwide.

Sadness and despair was felt all over the world on the passing of this great man who made his mark and was resolute in what he said as a religious leader.  He led his flock with advice and was respected all over the world by people from many faiths.

A great man has passed on from the physical world and has moved on to the spiritual world where he will find peace as he is laid to rest.

It doesn't mater what religion you are, because we are all overlooked by an all embracing God who has decided that Pope John Paul's work was completed on the earth that we live in.

We know the Pontiff will be looked after and remembered by people who have only known one pope in their lives.  It is hard to bear the passing of such a great figure, but the death of the Pope is part of life, and he will move on knowing that his work here was completed after 26 years of dedication to his flock of many faiths.

Pope John Paul II died in peaceful surroundings on Saturday 2 April 2005, in his apartment at the Vatican in Rome at 84 years of age, and soon after bells began tolling across the Italian capital Rome to signal the passing of the Pontiff to the people who had gathered in St Peter's Square.  Relaying the news  shortly after, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri said: "Our Holy Father John Paul has returned to the house of the Father."

The Polish born pontiff received the last rites on Thursday evening.  His health declined sharply.  Although gravely ill a Vatican spokesman said John Paul had been "lucid" and was responding when addressed by aides.

On Friday night a crowd gathered in Rome's St Peter's Square to be close to the man who had been their spiritual leader since 1978.  All around the world people from all faiths offered prayers as concern grew for his health.

Pope John Paul was last seen in public on the Wednesday prior when he appeared briefly at his apartment window in St Peter's Square to bless thousands of pilgrims.

This was a great man who's work was completed when his calling came.  But in his time of calling people of many faiths have shown their respect by gathering to see him leave on his final journey.

Pope John Paul ll can rest in peace knowing that even at the end you have brought many people together in sadness, but yet in happiness to be able to be part in saying farewell too such a great man.

Written by Andrew Murphy 8 April 2005

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