Pope John Paul II, a hero for all the world

Eric Hydrick / Online Editor

Pope John Paul II finally passed away this week, after a long life of selfless service trying to make the world a better place for all those living here. While America quit worrying about Terry Schiavo and the British took a break from Charles and Camilla, the whole world stopped to mourn the passing of a truly great man and leader.

Pope John Paul II was one of the first popes to reach out and try to unite the world?s peoples, regardless of their faith. He was the first pope to step foot inside a synagogue and the first pope to set foot inside a mosque. John Paul II made it a point to preach human rights and dignity for all people to all people. He was one of the few people in this world that actually cared about everyone. He was a man of unparalleled compassion that many of us will probably never see again during our lifetimes.

Pope John Paul II was also one of the most engaged popes in history. While many popes just sat around in the Vatican, almost in seclusion, John Paul II made it a point to travel all over the world, visiting over a hundred countries during his papacy. He traveled to his native Poland and preached the value of human life and dignity, making him an enemy of communists everywhere. He traveled to many impoverished nations and worked tirelessly to help the poor there.

John Paul II was one of the most well-respected men to ever live. Wherever he went, millions of people, Catholics, Protestants, and others, would line up for hours to get a look at him. His visit to Cuba not only prompted Fidel Castro to refrain from wearing his military uniform and instead dress in a suit, but it caused him to follow the pope around in a reverent manner. The pope was such a well-liked and well respected man that he commanded respect from everyone who met him.

Pope John Paul II was one of the few people who truly practiced what he preached. After an assassin failed to kill him in 1981, John Paul II visited his would-be assassin in jail and forgave him. His humility was unmatched and his willingness to help others unparalleled.

Pope John Paul II helped strengthen and support the Solidarity movement, smuggling in news and messages from Polish opposition to Communism, helping the movement become strong enough to overthrow the Communist government there. He also opposed dictatorships and tyranny all over the world, leading to changes in power in many nations as they moved toward democracy.

Pope John Paul II has had a long and fruitful life, accomplishing more during his time on Earth than many of us ever will. He was a kind-hearted benevolent man who held no grudges and truly loved his enemies. He was a leader for all of the ages, reaching out and taking steps to unite the world. No one else in modern times has commanded this degree of respect and admiration from the world. He was a true hero and role model for people in this day and age. His example will shine from the pages of history as the kind of life all humanity should strive for, and will (hopefully) one day be attained by everyone.

Contact Eric Hydrick at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.