STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS DiMARZIO

                                                        DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

                                                ON DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

                                                              APRIL 2, 2005

            I join with the Bishops, clergy, Religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Brooklyn in noting the passage of the immortal soul of our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, into eternal life. We mourn the loss of this saintly leader of our Church, yet rejoice that he is released from the physical pain that he bore so heroically for so long.

            We live with the vivid memory of his presence in the Diocese of Brooklyn in l979 and 1995, faith-filled moments for thousands who saw him and heard him urge us to follow Christ in every aspect of our lives.

            Pope John Paul inspired us with an immense body of teaching that will guide us as we journey on in this third millennium.  He was a spiritual leader whose open arms reflected warmth for all people.  He forgave the man who attempted to take his life.  He encountered evil political systems with strength.  His breathtaking pastoral visits throughout the world are imprinted in our collective consciousness.  He has shown the world how to live.

            By the way he accepted the suffering caused by the illnesses that preceded his death, our Holy Father taught us about the dignity of life, the dignity of the human person, even to one’s final breath. He has shown the world how to die.

            Pope John Paul has left his mark on the Church.  It would not be inappropriate for the Church one day to identify him as Pope John Paul the Great.

            I invite all persons of good will to pray for the repose of the soul of the Vicar of Christ and successor of St. Peter whose memorable pontificate has touched the world.

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