The following are comments from members of The Herald’s Reader Network about the passing of Pope John Paul II:
A handful of men and women stood out front and emboldened Eastern Europeans to stand up for freedom and independence, and the Iron Curtain fell.
John Paul II was one of those few who led the many. In his long papacy, he affected many issues, but many of those will be modified in coming years by other popes and by church members themselves.
But the fall of the Soviet Union was the most significant achievement, and that will never be reversed.
Jeff Kelley-Clarke, Chisinau, Moldova
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Considering (John Paul II’s) country of origin and the political and social systems from which he emerged, his story is certainly one of the most compelling the church has ever known.
The fact that he brought such a dynamic, energetic presence to the papacy is also reflected in the modernization of the church during his tenure. His impact is complex and fascinating in the way he has honored the incredibly rich history and tradition of the church, while also forging new spiritual pathways for the 21st century. …
The most compelling memories I will have will be the humble, dynamic, energetic, intelligent, ecumenical manner in which he engaged so many people throughout the world – regardless of creed, race, age, language, etc.
Certainly, the early images will last – the assassination attempt, the popemobile, addressing youth conferences. … And that’s why I don’t think the frail image will be the one we remember – although the courage and determination he brought to the fight in later years will endure.
Although I am a Roman Catholic, I can’t tell you how many non-Catholics have asked me about this pope – out of curiosity, yes, but mostly out of respect for him.
Vincent F. DeMiero, Brier
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I am not a Roman Catholic, so should probably not be commenting.
But … I do believe this pope will be remembered in history as a man who touched many people around the world. He traveled to places no other pope has been, and traveled more than any other pope.
I do not think he changed much in the Roman Catholic Church; (he) probably continued the undoing of some of the reforms put in place by Vatican II. But that may be as much by the men around him as the pope himself. As an outsider, I cannot tell who is making decisions.
Alisan Kacoroski, Granite Falls
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Pope John Paul II will rank high in the discussion of world influence of such things, even if the ACLU succeeds in keeping him from being mentioned in our school history books.
I would rank him tops since Gregory, who updated the calendar centuries ago, which eventually all nations on Earth adopted. John Paul II was the first non-Italian pope in centuries.
That, and his world travels, along with his public devotion, make John Paul stand out even to us non-Catholics.
Elwin F. Anderson, Everett
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Answered from a Protestant viewpoint:
This pope has increased the interaction between other Christian denominations. The local churches seem more interested in participating in community religious activities. … The pope’s legacy should be a continuation of this cooperative spirit.
Robert Roth, Camano Island
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Pope John Paul has touched so many lives in so many ways. He has brought the church through hard times and strengthened it.
He is truly one of the greatest people of the 20th century! It is an honor to worship in the same way as he does, and I have taken strength from his convictions and clear leadership.
William Higgins, Marysville
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He has brought the Roman Catholic church to the world, traveling and meeting people where they are. He has been intensely involved in the problems of ordinary people, as well as the world problems faced. He is a true “people’s pope.” At the same time, he has held the church to accountability and maintenance of the morals and standards of the faith. He is certainly not concerned with the latest fashion or politically correct thought, but truly concerned with the welfare of his flock. He has changed my expectation of the role of pope.
Marilyn Matthews, Marysville
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Almost 30 years ago, I was in Oregon, a small-town Protestant housewife, and I remember how the previous two popes’ deaths were newsworthy. A humble Polish (man), Karol Wojtyla, when discussed as a possible replacement, was quoted as saying, “I can’t be pope!” Sources reported that he was tremulous at the thought! What a tremendous blessing he has been for all faiths!
I used to have a photo of him in a pair of Nikes, in a park. He serves as a peaceful example that we can all do more than we think we can – and I am sad that we now must release him!
Janell Hunnicutt, Snohomish
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John-Paul leaves a mixed legacy. On one hand, he put a human face on the papacy, helped end communist rule in Eastern Europe and reached out to people of all faiths. On the other hand, he fought taking the church toward expanded roles for women and homosexuals in the church.
Evan Smith, Shoreline
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