April 2, 2005 - Statement of the Archdiocese of Boston Regarding
Pope John Paul II
(Boston, MA) April 2, 2005…The Archdiocese of Boston released the following
statement made by Archbishop Sean P. O’Malley in response to the passing
of Pope John Paul II:
“Together with all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Boston, I was deeply
saddened to learn of the death of our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. The Holy
Father’s final years have borne witness to the dignity of life, especially
in how the Pope modeled strength in the midst of suffering.
With gratitude I recall the Pope’s pastoral care for the Church of Boston,
from his Papal visit in 1979 through to the present day. Pope John Paul II
was not only the Vicar of Christ on earth but also a world leader who changed
the course of modern history. In the Pope’s dedicated mission of sharing
the Good News of Jesus Christ he exhibited great love for youth and the poor,
and was untiring in promoting social justice, the family, and the Gospel of
Life. Our lives and our world are forever changed for the better because of
the Holy Father’s vision and his passionate commitment to the truth and
human dignity.
In the Holy Year of 2000, the Holy Father called for all to “Open Wide
the Doors to Christ”, to follow Christ not out of obligation but out
of love. Pope John Paul II’s life mirrored this call as each day he opened
himself to being an instrument of unapologetic truth on moral and ethical issues
facing our culture. I pray that the Lord will grant grace upon grace to His
faithful servant and will welcome him into the eternal light and peace of God’s
heavenly kingdom.
Devotedly yours in Christ,
Archbishop Sean P. O’Malley
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