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"Do not be afraid"

I'm sure everyone must be saying the same things. The Pope, John Paul II, is dead. Although not a Catholic, I have the greatest respect for John Paul II. He is the only pope I have ever known. In my mind, all popes from now must be measured up to him. That speaks of the impact he must have on many people. Although exceptionally conservative, I respect him for the courage to move the Church, known for its great inertia to change. For example, recognizing Galileo was right! Apologizing to the Jews. On the time scale of the Church, he has made a tremendous impact, serving not only as Il Padre to the faithful, but as a beacon of morality to the non-believer. His reign is one of the longest in the history of the Church since St. Peter. May his soul rest in peace.

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