The Pope Is Dead

[Gold9472]

Pope John Paul II dies at 84
Tears, tolling bells as Catholic leader succumbs after lengthy illness

http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/popedead.gif

Dylan Martinez / Reuters

BREAKING NEWS
MSNBC staff and news service reports
Updated: 3:57 p.m. ET April 2, 2005

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II, who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died on Saturday evening, the Vatican said in a statement.

"The angels welcome you," Vatican TV said after the announcement came from papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls

The news was immediately announced to around 60,000 gathered in St Peter's Square and was met with a long applause, an Italian sign of respect. Bells tolled and many people wept openly.

Death announced to faithful
"Our Holy Father John Paul, 84, has returned to the house of the Father," Archbishop Leonardo Sandri told the crowds.

"The Holy Father died this evening at 9:37 p.m. in his private apartment. All the procedures outlined in the apostolic Constitution `Universi Dominici Gregis' ^that was written by John Paul II on Feb. 22, 1996, have been put in motion."

Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican No. 2 official, immediately led a tearful crowd of 70,000 people in St. Peter's Square in prayers for the dead pope.

The windows of the pope's apartment were still lit up following the announcement of his death.

The announcement of the pope’s death was distributed to journalists via e-mail at the same time it was being read to the faithful. John Paul expired as cardinals were leading some 70,000 people at St. Peter's Square in prayers for him in his "last journey."

Italy's ANSA news agency said Vatican and Italian flags were being lowered to half-staff across Rome and elsewhere.

The pope died after suffering heart and kidney failure following two hospitalizations in as many months. Just a few hours earlier, the Vatican had said he was in "very serious" condition but responded to members of the papal household.

Before the pope's death, thousands of pilgrims had gathered on St. Peter’s Square to stand vigil, many tearfully gazing up at his third-floor window. The faithful around the world joined them in prayer.

'Placid and serene' before death
Vatican Cardinal Achille Silvestrini visited John Paul Saturday morning, accompanied by another cardinal, Jean-Louis Tauran.

“I found him relaxed, placid, serene. He was in his bed. He was breathing without labor. He looked like he lost weight,” Silvestrini said.

He said the when he and Tauran came into the room, the pope seemed to recognize them.

“The pope showed with a vibration of his face that he understood, indicating with a movement of his eyes. He showed he was reacting,” he added.

Around the world, people of different faiths had joined in prayer for John Paul.

“Catholics, fellow Christians, ... will be praying for him at this time as he comes toward the end of his extraordinary and wonderful life,” said Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, the archbishop of Westminster and one of the most senior Catholic clerics in Britain, speaking to reporters outside London’s Westminster Cathedral.

'Man of peace'
In France, Muslim leader Dalil Boubakeur said Muslims had been praying for the pope, whom he described as a “man of peace” whose stature was a determining factor for change in the world.

In the pope’s home country, Poles gathered at churches as word spread Friday morning of his deteriorating condition.

“I want him to hold on but it is all in God’s hands now,” said 64-year-old Elzbieta Galuszko at the church where the pope was baptized in Wadowice, southern Poland. “We can only pray for him so he can pull through these difficult moments.”

The pope received the sacrament for the sick and dying on Thursday evening. Formerly called the last rites, the sacrament is often misunderstood as signaling imminent death. It is performed both for patients at the point of death and for those who are very sick — and it may be repeated.

Hospitalized twice last month following two breathing crises, and fitted with a breathing tube and a feeding tube, John Paul had become a picture of suffering.

His 26-year papacy was marked by its call to value the aged and to respect the sick, subjects the pope turned to as he also battled Parkinson’s disease and crippling knee and hip ailments.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[WhiteGuySaysThis]

I'm not a very religious man by any means. I am however saddened to hear this. RIP

[Gold9472]

Well... to whomever this affects, my sympathies go out to you.

[WhiteGuySaysThis]

I'm not poking fun at this situation, but I am curious to see what happens in the next few days.

[Simply_sexy]

Am I the only person in the world that is thinking to myself, "It's about damn time!!!"

[pcteaser]

Am I the only person in the world that is thinking to myself, "It's about damn time!!!"

Harsh... He meant a lot to millions of people.

[Simply_sexy]

Harsh... He meant a lot to millions of people.
He's been near death now for almost a month. He's been in sever pain and unable to do his common everyday things by himself. What kind of life could that possibly be? He's been in and out of consciousness and each time it was taking more energy than the last to wake back up. I personally do not believe in Heaven but I believe that even being dead and in a state of nothingness is better than the agony that he was experiencing in his final days!

[pcteaser]

He's been near death now for almost a month. He's been in sever pain and unable to do his common everyday things by himself. What kind of life could that possibly be? He's been in and out of consciousness and each time it was taking more energy than the last to wake back up. I personally do not believe in Heaven but I believe that even being dead and in a state of nothingness is better than the agony that he was experiencing in his final days!

Perhaps from your point of view. But from his, being a man of God who revered life above all else, I doubt he would have agreed with you. Your original statement came across quite cold. You don't need to believe in God or Heaven to understand that this is a day of mourning for so many in the human race. A little respect for their suffering is appropriate. Not "It's about time!"

[Simply_sexy]

What about the 733 Africans that died yesterday? Why aren't they being mourned? Why aren't our soldiers who died for our country getting as much publicity as the Pope? My statement may have been harsh and cold but I think that he is old and lived his life (better than most I might add) and it was his time. We've known this day was coming for a long time now.

[pcteaser]

What about the 733 Africans that died yesterday? Why aren't they being mourned? Why aren't our soldiers who died for our country getting as much publicity as the Pope? My statement may have been harsh and cold but I think that he is old and lived his life (better than most I might add) and it was his time. We've known this day was coming for a long time now.


What do all those other events have to do with this? I don't understand what point you are trying to make. You seem to have missed mine. Just because you have an opinion on something, doesn't mean you have to express it. Especially when it can come across as disrespectful to others who are feeling sorrow right now. Perhaps tomorrow you could have posted the same thing and it wouldn't have bothered me. But today, as I sit here watching the video feed from the Vatican, and I see thousands of people praying, with tears running down their faces, I can just imagine walking up to them and repeating your words. And that, would be a very cruel thing.

[WhiteGuySaysThis]

What do all those other events have to do with this? I don't understand what point you are trying to make. You seem to have missed mine. Just because you have an opinion on something, doesn't mean you have to express it. Especially when it can come across as disrespectful to others who are feeling sorrow right now. Perhaps tomorrow you could have posted the same thing and it wouldn't have bothered me. But today, as I sit here watching the video feed from the Vatican, and I see thousands of people praying, with tears running down their faces, I can just imagine walking up to them and repeating your words. And that, would be a very cruel thing.I understand both of your points. On one hand I think most of us can relate to what SS said (It's about time). Did she express her views at the wrong time? I don't know. This is a BB after all and the intention of a BB is to express opinions and thoughts.
I do see your point too, pcteaser. I actually shed a tear when I heard the news... for some reason this news hurts me. I was also hurt when I heard about Terri Schiavo passing away. These people have been made a part of our lives and I truely sympathise for those close to them.
I try to look at all sides of the spectrum when reading peoples thoughts and views on these types of things.

[Ophie]

Perhaps from your point of view. But from his, being a man of God who revered life above all else, I doubt he would have agreed with you. Your original statement came across quite cold. You don't need to believe in God or Heaven to understand that this is a day of mourning for so many in the human race. A little respect for their suffering is appropriate. Not "It's about time!"
Here's what I don't get. Why is it a day of mourning? The people mourning him, as well as the pope, believe they/he go to Heaven when you die. So they should be rejoicing that he's finally gone "home" and joined God.

[Ophie]

What do all those other events have to do with this? I don't understand what point you are trying to make. You seem to have missed mine. Just because you have an opinion on something, doesn't mean you have to express it. Especially when it can come across as disrespectful to others who are feeling sorrow right now. Perhaps tomorrow you could have posted the same thing and it wouldn't have bothered me. But today, as I sit here watching the video feed from the Vatican, and I see thousands of people praying, with tears running down their faces, I can just imagine walking up to them and repeating your words. And that, would be a very cruel thing.
With all due respect (s)he didn't walk up to those people and say it.

And this is a bulletin board. The point is to share varying opinions.

[pcteaser]

With all due respect (s)he didn't walk up to those people and say it.

And this is a bulletin board. The point is to share varying opinions.

I don't disagree with you at all. But how can she know how many devout Catholics may be reading this board? So in effect, she did just walk up to those people and say it.

My objection is to the timing.

As for why people mourn at this time. I find that hard to verbalize. I, myself, am not a religious person. But I feel very sad today. The Pope showed himself to be a good man thru the years. I may not have always agreed with him or the Catholic teachings, but I will miss him. He believed in God and Heaven above and I'm sure that he died thinking that he was going to a better place. And in that respect, I am happy for him.

[Good Doctor HST]

“Although the particular inclination of the homosexual person is not a sin, it is a more or less strong tendency ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil; thus the inclination itself must be seen as an objective disorder. Therefore special concern and pastoral attention should be directed to those who have this condition, lest they be led to believe that the living out of this orientation in homosexual activity is a morally acceptable option. It is not.”
Quote from Pope John Paul II in 1986.

Before we start the canonization proceedings, let's remember that nobody's perfect.

[Gold9472]

cat fight? Hold on... let me pull up a chair... oh yeah... that's nice... ok, now squeeze her breasts... thats' right...

[Gold9472]

Am I the only person in the world that is thinking to myself, "It's about damn time!!!"

You're not, but out of respect for the kabillions that worship him, etc...

[Simply_sexy]

What do all those other events have to do with this? I don't understand what point you are trying to make. You seem to have missed mine. Just because you have an opinion on something, doesn't mean you have to express it. Especially when it can come across as disrespectful to others who are feeling sorrow right now. Perhaps tomorrow you could have posted the same thing and it wouldn't have bothered me. But today, as I sit here watching the video feed from the Vatican, and I see thousands of people praying, with tears running down their faces, I can just imagine walking up to them and repeating your words. And that, would be a very cruel thing.
I have an opinion on something and I'm going to express it. Like WGST and Ophie pointed out, this is a BB and expressing thoughts and opinions is exactly what you do here. If you don't like the idea of people expressing their thoughts and opinions, then maybe you should reevaluate why you come here.
To turn your point around, I believe that Catholicism is wrong. So should you not be able to express that you're sad about the Pope dying? Absolutely not! People have differing views and you have to just deal with the fact that some don't believe the same things and EVERYONE is entitled to their opinions and voicing them. That is exactly why Gold started this place!!!

[Simply_sexy]

Here's what I don't get. Why is it a day of mourning? The people mourning him, as well as the pope, believe they/he go to Heaven when you die. So they should be rejoicing that he's finally gone "home" and joined God.
That is exactly my point, Ophie!!! He's lived a long life and he was in constant agony for the past month, it was his time! They all believe he is in a better place and there is no point in dragging it on any further!

[Gold9472]

I have an opinion on something and I'm going to express it. Like WGST and Ophie pointed out, this is a BB and expressing thoughts and opinions is exactly what you do here. If you don't like the idea of people expressing their thoughts and opinions, then maybe you should reevaluate why you come here.

To turn your point around, I believe that Catholicism is wrong. So should you not be able to express that you're sad about the Pope dying? Absolutely not! People have differing views and you have to just deal with the fact that some don't believe the same things and EVERYONE is entitled to their opinions and voicing them. That is exactly why Gold started this place!!!

First off, no one is reevaluating why they come here... secondly, you both are right, and you both are wrong. Simply_Sexy, maybe you should have held off until tomorrow... as I said earlier, to whomever this affects, my sympathies go out to you, but I honestly could care less... I am someone who thought exactly as you did. I hate religion just as much as the next guy... and you have a right to express your opinion, regardless of whether it's appropriate or not...

pcteaser, you are right because it might have been inappropriate of her to voice her opinion in that fashion, but I don't think she was trying to be hurtful. She was just voicing her opinion.

Now both of you kiss and make up... oh yeah... that's it... just like that...

:drive1:

[Gold9472]

Jon, you are so stupid... never get in the middle of a cat fight.

[Gold9472]

Both of you are good people.

[WhiteGuySaysThis]

cat fight? Hold on... let me pull up a chair... oh yeah... that's nice... ok, now squeeze her breasts... thats' right...*WGST pulls a chair up next to Jon's*
"I havn't seen a good cat fight in awhile!"

[God]

This cat fight is over... so sayeth the Lord.

[Ophie]

I have an opinion on something and I'm going to express it. Like WGST and Ophie pointed out, this is a BB and expressing thoughts and opinions is exactly what you do here. If you don't like the idea of people expressing their thoughts and opinions, then maybe you should reevaluate why you come here.
To turn your point around, I believe that Catholicism is wrong. So should you not be able to express that you're sad about the Pope dying? Absolutely not! People have differing views and you have to just deal with the fact that some don't believe the same things and EVERYONE is entitled to their opinions and voicing them. That is exactly why Gold started this place!!!
Perfectly stated.

[Ophie]

That is exactly my point, Ophie!!! He's lived a long life and he was in constant agony for the past month, it was his time! They all believe he is in a better place and there is no point in dragging it on any further!
Right. If they really believe he's in a better place, why aren't they rejoicing? He lived a long, productive life and died an OLD man. They should be happy God decided to bring him home.

[Simply_sexy]

Right. If they really believe he's in a better place, why aren't they rejoicing? He lived a long, productive life and died an OLD man. They should be happy God decided to bring him home.
I love her!!

[Simply_sexy]

Jon, you are so stupid... never get in the middle of a cat fight.
No worries my dear! You thought that a mediator was needed. It hardly ever is though. So, now you come rub me down with hot oil and massage all the tension outta my shoulders! ;-)
(can't tell skitch though)

[Ophie]

I love her!!
:wub: :cheerlead

[Giggles]

*WGST pulls a chair up next to Jon's*
"I havn't seen a good cat fight in awhile!"Hon if you want a cat fight so much why don't you have one with me. Been waiting for ever for you to wrestle with me. Yes, I admit I may have a flash back, but I don't care I just want to play with me guy. (guys bug him so I can wrestle)

[WhiteGuySaysThis]

Hon if you want a cat fight so much why don't you have one with me. Been waiting for ever for you to wrestle with me. Yes, I admit I may have a flash back, but I don't care I just want to play with me guy. (guys bug him so I can wrestle)Are you drinking Guiness and doing a river dance right now?
Who are these guys that bug me?

[Simply_sexy]

*eyes widen*

[WhiteGuySaysThis]

Hon if you want a cat fight so much why don't you have one with me. Been waiting for ever for you to wrestle with me. Yes, I admit I may have a flash back, but I don't care I just want to play with me guy. (guys bug him so I can wrestle)Oh I get what you are saying... You are asking the people of the BB to bug me...

Isn't it funny how this thread went from talking about the Pope dieing and now Giggles and I are discussing wrestling...

[Giggles]

Oh I get what you are saying... You are asking the people of the BB to bug me...

Isn't it funny how this thread went from talking about the Pope dieing and now Giggles and I are discussing wrestling...kisses