Pope John Paul II demonstrated courage and integrity of faith in exercising the responsibilities of leadership while suffering the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease. His quarter century legacy is inspiring in its emphasis on faith as an instrument for social justice, notably his efforts to free the peoples of eastern Europe from the oppression of totalitarian governments, in calling Western societies to greater accountability for the economic hardship in the developing world, and in pursuing peaceful resolution to conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. His efforts towards bridging divisions among Christian churches and other faith communities continue to resonate in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. He was open and welcoming to the Archbishop of Canterbury and other representatives of the Anglican Communion. He truly served the vision of a catholic and apostolic church, one committed to bringing the peace of Christ to all persons in all circumstances.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Francis Cardinal George, our brothers and sisters of the Roman Catholic Church in Chicago and Roman Catholics throughout the world as we join with them in mourning the death of a great pope. May God grant eternal rest to his servant, John Paul, and may light perpetual shine upon him.
William D. Persell
Bishop of Chicago
