h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'm not a Catholic but I'm at the passing of a great man

R.I.P.

Rest in peace Pope John Paul II. For the work you have done, blessed be!

I'm neither a Catholic nor a Christian. If I were a Christian I would probably be CofE - but I can recognise a man who has spent his life working hard for what he believes in. He will be a hard act to follow.

Donald

As I have just remarked in my journal, he became pope when I was 9, and now I am 36. Even though I am no longer a practicing Catholic, I do feel a sense of loss.

I'm just glad his pain is finally over. It was so difficult for him lately.

As a CofE, the Late John Paul II was not the head of my Church, but as a christian, I feel sadness and sorrow at the loss of a great and wonderful man who devoted his life to catholosism.

I prayed for him in my own way and asked God to keep him safe on his assension to Heaven

I'm not a Catholic but my mum and daughter are, but I can recognise the world is a poorer place for the loss of a good man

Again, I'm not a Catholic or a Christian. But I'm glad his pain is over, the last few years must have been very painful. The world has lost a great man.

Zantic

I'm a former catholic turned atheist, but I am saddened by the death of a man who fought for my freedom to be an atheist. I may not have agreed with all of his views, but there's no denying he was a great man.

R.I.P.

(There's no smiley that quite fits a thread like this, though.)

Goodbye, JPII. You will be sorely missed. Thank you.

{PS I am a Catholic (well, sometimes)}

I am not a Catholic either, but I want to add my for a life well-lived.

I'm surprised this thread is so short.

As a Christian from an evangelical background there are obviously certain differences with the man. However, the Catholic church has lost its shepherd and my thoughts and prayers go out to them at this time.

Whatever my qualms with the man's more medieval views on a number of issues, I recognise his greatness and that without him the entire 'velvet revolution' and Glasnost may never have happened.

For that, he deserves recognition and peace.

It's probably best I don't say what I really think.......

Hope the next pope is a black woman. Maybe I was born before my time?

Well, the next pope IS tipped to be a black guy.

I thought rumours were pointing at Latin America

I heard they wanted an Italian.

People are speculating left and right. We'll find out when we find out!

I dreamed about him last night. Or should I say, he appeared in my dream. He told me to do something. You are all my witnesses.