War is Always A Defeat for Humanity

"NO TO WAR!" War is not always inevitable. It is always a defeat for humanity. International law, honest dialogue, solidarity between States, the noble exercise of diplomacy: these are methods worthy of individuals and nations in resolving their differences. I say this as I think of those who still place their trust in nuclear weapons and of the all-too-numerous conflicts which continue to hold hostage our brothers and sisters in humanity. Pope John Paul II, January 2003

Yesterday a great voice for Peace on Earth fell silent. Pope John Paul II left this earth telling his followers "I am happy."

John Paul II embraced a culture of life that taught believers that all people are children of God. He spoke truth to the people of his native Poland which ultimately lead to the demise of communist dictatorships all over Eastern Europe...without war.

John Paul II was the most well traveled Pope in history. And in his travels, he demonstrated the powerful tools of forgiveness and reconciliation. In his historic trip to the Holy Land, he begged the Jewish people for forgiveness for the years of oppression that were perpetrated or ignored by the Church of Rome. He honored the Muslim faith by joining in prayer in a Syrian mosque, demonstrating what was common and powerful amongst the three major faiths of the world: one God who loves His people..

And so yesterday the people of the world lost an inspired, outspoken servant of God and the heavens welcomed bright new "superstar." Catholic..or not, Christian..or not, John Paul embraced all people of the world with the message of Christ that admonished us to "Love one another." He will be sorely missed.


Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the Children of God. Matthew 5-9