Washington D.C., Apr 3, 2005 / 22:00 pm
U.S. President George Bush was among a throng of world leaders who have been praising the life and memory of Pope John Paul II who died peacefully at the Vatican on Saturday evening.
The president, who has met with the Holy Father on three different occasions said Saturday that, “Laura and I join people across the Earth in mourning the passing of Pope John Paul II. The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd, the world has lost a champion of human freedom, and a good and faithful servant of God has been called home.”
“Pope John Paul II”, he continued, “left the throne of St. Peter in the same way he ascended to it -- as a witness to the dignity of human life.”
Pope John Paul II was, himself, an inspiration to millions of Americans, and to so many more throughout the world. We will always remember the humble, wise and fearless priest who became one of history's great moral leaders. We're grateful to God for sending such a man, a son of Poland, who became the Bishop of Rome, and a hero for the ages.”