TT should learn from Pope’s example

Pope John Paul II has been described as both a charismatic leader and priest whose irrepressible nature and teachings would be remembered long after his passing. Speaking to reporters after presiding over the sacrament of confirmation to some 25 converts at the St Anthony’s RC Church, Point Fortin on Friday evening, Archbishop Edward Gilbert, also identified the Holy Father’s unwavering ability to face life’s many challenges saying the nation needed to learn from his example and face its many challenges without fear.

The Archbishop, who acknowledged having worked with the Holy Father, said this ability to face difficult situations was one of John Paul’s enduring legacies, which was evident in both his life and teachings. “This is an extraordinary man, and he will have a place in history as leader, as a statesman but also as a scholar and as a writer, and his writings will live long after he has died,” he said. “He’s walked into some terrifically difficult situations and what he said to all the people was we have to face issues, don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid to face issues,” he said.

The Archbishop added: “I think this nation has to do that. We have to come together as a people because we have issues to face and we can’t be afraid. We have to face those issues and we have to do it together and we can’t be afraid to face them, we must face them for the good of the nation.” He said all-night vigils were also held at a number of churches with prayers being said for both Pope John Paul II, whose charisma and personality made him a beloved figure in both the Christian and non-Christian World.

Archbishop Gilbert said prayers were also being said for God’s guidance in selecting a new pontiff when the time came for the College of Cardinals to elect the new head of the world’s largest Christian Church. “The people are praying for him so that he will die in peace and that the Holy Spirit will descend upon the College of Cardinals to elect a new Holy Father to lead the Church in this Millennium,” he said. And asked the procedure for selecting a new pontiff, the Archbishop said a Conclave, or the assembling of the 119 voting members of the College of Cardinals would gather at the Sistine Chapel for the election of a new Pope.