Pope Rests in Peace
Pope John Paul-II, the head of all Catholics of the world died on April 2, 2005, after suffering heart failure. He was 84. Pope was a champion of truth. He lived for God and died for God. He wanted to become one of the lambs of God.
Pope John Paul-II had compassion for every living being on the Earth. He would cry for underprivileged and down-trodden people. He cried when he saw the miserable condition of orphans, widows and handicapped people of the world. He would feel greatly depressed, when the natural disasters would claim innocent people’s lives. Pope John Paul possessed a cosmopolitan outlook and a magnanimous heart. He would embrace the people of all races, colour and creeds, with equal love and respect.
He had abundant love for the people of India. He had visited India twice. Pope John Paul’s first visit to India was from February 1-10, 1986. He was so much enchanted with India that he kissed the Indian soil after climbing down from the plane. Then, he met the Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, his wife Sonia Gandhi and President Zail Singh. He travelled to many parts of India.
The Pope’s second visit to India was in November 1999, when the purpose of his visit was to inaugurate the Asian Synod of Bishops. Infact, Pope initially wanted to hold the spiritual function- in Hong Kong, but China refused to grant permission for the same. Thereafter he opted for Iraq, but again got refusal from there. Finally, he contacted the Government of India. He was granted permission by the NDA Government at last. Thus Pope celebrated the Spiritual function with great pomp and show.
In the year 2003, he had sent Peace Envoys to both the countries America and Iraq to avoid war, but inspite of his best efforts he failed to bring peace between them.
Once Pope said—”To humanity the Lord gives the gift of love, which forgives, reconciles and reopens the soul to hope. Hope converts hearts and gives peace.”
Pope was indeed an ocean of love. He believed that love forgives the follies of the beloved, and he was a lover of all, thus, he forgave all the wrongs of all people who loved him.
The, whole world is grieved at the death of this great spiritual leader. The renowned world leaders attended his funeral.
He had a true inclination to correct the wrongs of the people and make them tread on the righteous path. Pope was indeed a precious gem of the world! The whole world mourned his death. May this great soul rest in peace and happiness forever in the abode of God.