April 11, 2005

The death of 84 year old Pope John Paul II on April 2 and the worldwide out pouring of grief resulted in tributes from mayors across the United States.

The passing of Pope John Paul II came less than a year after a U.S. Conference of Mayors delegation had an official Vatican visit May 18, 2004, including a meeting between then Conference president Hempstead (NY) Mayor James A. Garner and the Pontiff.

The meeting between Garner and the Pope was during a papal audience and capped this official Conference delegation to the Vatican to discuss issues such as fighting AIDS in Africa. It also included meetings with U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican James Nicholson and other Vatican officials.

Statement of Victor Ashe, Ambassador to Poland and Former Mayor of Knoxville (TN), and a Past President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors

On behalf of the Embassy of the United States of America, Ambassador Victor Ashe extends his deepest condolences to the people of Poland on the passing of Pope John Paul II today.

"Pope John Paul II was a great son of Poland and a great world statesman, whose leadership transformed his native land, his world, and his Church. Karol Wojtya's inspirational prayer in 1979 in Warsaw for a renewal of "the face of the earth" has been amply answered in the democratic transformations that swept Poland and Central and Eastern Europe as well as in the continuing aspirations of people around the world for a more democratic and just society. No one could have imagined in 1978, when he became the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years, how fundamentally different the world would look at the end of his pontificate.

"An ardent champion of human rights and an articulate exponent of personalistic humanism, Pope John Paul II significantly advanced the frontiers of freedom during his 26 years in the papacy. A genuine intellectual, his original contributions to philosophy and Catholic theology span numerous books and hundreds of articles.

"His prolific mind was matched by his indefatigable energy and charisma. He conducted over 100 pilgrimages throughout the world. Americans recall with great affection his pilgrimages to the United States. Through his "ministry of presence," the humble son of a soldier from Wadowice brought one of the oldest and most distinguished offices in the world to the reach of millions of people in every corner of the globe.

"The death of Pope John Paul II, a loss to the world, is a special loss to his beloved homeland. His service as Archbishop of Krak—w endeared him to the people of that city and diocese, believers and non-believers alike. His years of patient teaching as a faculty member of the Catholic University of Lublin brought him the respect and love both of his peers and his students.

"The citizens of Nowa Huta will remember their Archbishop whose stubborn persistence guaranteed them a church in their town in which to worship.

"The bells of Wawel toll today for a great man. The "shoes of the fisherman" will be hard to fill, and Karol Wojtya's loss will be especially felt in Poland. His pontificate will be felt for generations. May he rest in peace!"

"Pope John Paul the II is only now being truly recognized for the enormous impact he had on freeing the oppressed of the world. His own homeland, in fact most of Eastern Europe is a much different, more liberated part of the world today because of him. While he is recognized as the leader of the Catholic Church, the truth is he reached well beyond his church to help millions of people of all faiths worldwide."

"I believe that through his actions and his words, Pope John Paul II became, not only one of the most dynamic Popes in history, but also did more to spread the beliefs of Christianity than any previous Pope. He was certainly one of the great communicators of his generation."

"Pope John Paul II was a fearless and tireless advocate for peace, freedom and human dignity. He placed his personal safety at risk to free his home country from communism. He took controversial stands against the death penalty and war. He urged all of us to continue Mother Teresa's ministry to the poor.

"The Holy Father never wavered, even as he struggled against illness. And through it all, he urged us to have the courage of our convictions, saying: -Be not afraid.- His truly was a great life, which changed our world. My family joins Catholics around the world in mourning his death."

"My thoughts and prayers go out at this time to the Catholic people of Boston and of the world. As a Catholic, I too mourn the loss of this leader of our faith. I join those praying for the leaders charged with finding his successor. Throughout his life, Pope John Paul II remained a steadfast defender of social justice and those who are most vulnerable. As a young man, he battled the evil of Nazism. As Pope, he overcame an assassination attempt and helped bring down the iron curtain of Communism. In later years, he demonstrated tremendous courage as he continued to lead the Church even while his health deteriorated. The impact of this man on our world will be felt for years to come."

"I know I speak for Catholics throughout St. Louis when I say we loved and admired Pope John Paul for his humanity, strength of his convictions, and his leadership. I will remember him as someone who was a strong advocate for the poor and disenfranchising, the sanctity of human life, and world peace. The Catholic Church and the world are a better place because of him. We are especially fond of Pope John Paul because of the special attention he gave our city during his visit here in 1999. It is a visit none of us will ever forget. My family and I will be praying for the pontiff's soul and for all Catholics."

"New Yorkers join the world in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II, who leaves a legacy of compassion and love that humbles us all. He was a steady beacon of light in our often dark and tumultuous world. On his tireless travels, he broke down walls — including the Iron Curtain that isolated and repressed his native Poland — and spread his message of peace and human dignity to all faiths. His unconditional love for all people brought nations, races, and religions closer together, healing old wounds and celebrating common ground. New Yorkers were honored to host John Paul twice during his papacy, and those will always be remembered as great days for our city. With his passing, Roman Catholics have lost an inspiring spiritual leader, and the world has lost a loving and devoted friend."

"I, along with the citizens of the city of Charleston, am deeply saddened at the death of Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul's influence extended far beyond the membership of the Roman Catholic Church. As a courageous fighter for freedom in Poland, as a spokesperson for justice and decency, as a prayerful, pure and righteous human being and as a leader of the Church, he touched the lives of people all over the world. As a Roman Catholic, I feel a deep sense of loss for our church, as well as enormous gratitude for the leadership he has given and wonderful example of his life. I had the privilege of meeting Pope John Paul II when he visited South Carolina in 1987. He was so impressive in person. He was a man of great physical strength and great warmth. He had the capacity to establish a bond with each person he met. For me and all who met him in South Carolina, it was a moment we will always treasure."

"I am greatly saddened by today's passing of pope John Paul II. The city of Philadelphia mourns the loss of one the world's most inspirational leaders. But as we mourn the loss, we also celebrate the completion of a successful life of service and sacrifice. I offer condolences to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Cardinal Rigali and the members of the Catholic Church across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the world. In his more than 26 years as the leader of Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II stood unwavering in his dedication to his principles and faith. I hope all will reflect upon his life as an enduring example of selfless services. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who mourn his passing."

"I am deeply saddened about the passing of Pope John Paul II, one of the most respected religious leaders and humanitarians of all time. The Pope was a strong moral compass for those of Catholic faith and an example of all humankind to follow. I went to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels yesterday to light a candle and pray for the Pope. I fondly remember the privilege I had of meeting the Pope when he visited Los Angeles back in 1987. His presence was overwhelming and he truly exhibited the spirit of God in his life as he helped spread his message around the world. Though the past few months were very difficult for the Pope, he maintained his devout dedication to his faith, his followers and his purpose. Pope John Paul II will be missed for his spiritual guidance, great strength, unwavering devotion, genuine kindness, and love for all people. The Pope celebrated mass at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum when he visited Los Angeles in 1987. In memory of that historic evening and in honor of Pope John Paul II, I have asked that the Olympic torch at the Coliseum be lit. I have also directed the city flags to be lowered to half-staff. I encourage everyone to remember the wonderful things the Pope accomplished. My thoughts and prayers are with the Catholic community and people of all faiths all over the world during this difficult time."

"Today the flags on all city buildings have been lowered to half'staff in memory of Pope John Paul II. I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pope John Paul. He was not only the leader of the Catholic Church, but he was an inspiration for people of all faiths throughout the world. Pope John Paul II used his voice and compassion to uplift the lives of others and spread peace. Our world is better for the legacy of Pope John Paul II."

"Pope John Paul II was dynamic man with the ability to transcend religion for greater good of humanity. He had a genuine concern and love for mankind that will live on forever."

"I know that Chicagoans of every religion join me in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II. He was our foremost advocate of world peace, an outstanding leader of his Church and a man of tremendous personal courage, which he displayed right up until his final day on Earth. His visit to Chicago in 1979 was one of the great events in our city's history, attracting hundreds of thousands of admirers, and no one who was there will ever forget it. I urge every Chicagoan to reflect on Pope John Paul's life and to remember him in their thoughts and prayers."

"Upon hearing that Pope John Paul II passed on, I-m sure that many people around the world felt like orphans because he had become such a striking leader for peace for all religions, but most especially, for Catholics.

"Pope John Paul II did his best not to take the easy road, but rather, the path that he thought would keep the Catholic religion pure and simple."