John Paul II was a powerful and influential pope who was admired by many. He traveled extensively throughout his papacy, building communities around the world. He canonized hundreds of saints and blessed many others. Despite his busy schedule, he graciously acknowledged even strangers like the author. The author hopes that John Paul II's spirit will continue to inspire and bless people for ages to come.

2. 1920 - 2005

3. He was mighty. He was strong -a Super-Power ... He was a Pillar of the Faith, a Tower. He lasted longer than any Pope but two. He rent the Iron Curtain, adored the Poor. He adored Youth; Youth adored Him.

4. He honored Suffering. He was likewise gentle with the ignorant ... yet He was worthy of the name of "intellectual", "man of letters". He had mastered the Art of body-communication arising from His genuine theatrical flair-- a dramatist's unerring sense of timing-- conveying innermost Spirit through outward stance.

7. a total Man of colossal Honor and Integrity-- "breadwinner" to all the Church. Yet He was gentle and forbearing with me, a total stranger: He noticed my writings, however insanely busy ... and often sent me gracious acknowledgments-- the last received mere days before He died.

8. The mere touch of His words, as of Christ's garment, was enough ... allowing me to use Him to grow. He bore my insults for the Gospel with a genuine forbearance, passing them over with a heroic Silence and always pointing only to what was positive.

23. Music: Secret Garden „Elegy” Pps A..a