At 21.37 Italian time, His Holiness Pope John Paul II passed away in his apartments in the Vatican. For many of us, myself included, he was the only Pope we have ever known, and his dedication to his chosen path, right up until the very end, should serve as an example to all of us. I had the privilege of attending a Papal audience in September 2004, and even then, gripped by illness, his presence and faith were overwhelming. His love for his flock, and not just for Catholics but for people of all faiths, made him not just the head of the Church but one of the most inspiring world leaders of our time. He will be sorely missed.
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