Message from the Director of the Catholic Information Center, Washington DC

We have all watched and shared in the outpouring of grief, affection, and prayer prompted by the final illness and death of Pope John Paul II. As an overwhelming flood of media coverage recounts this extraordinary 26-year pontificate and speculates about the outcome of the upcoming election, many ask what will be lasting legacy of this Pope? I believe the answer is, at least in part, already very clear: Pope John Paul II's legacy will be his holy life. Although any formal declaration about sainthood obviously requires time and full consideration by Church authorities, I believe the Pope's death and welcome into Heaven mark the fulfillment of what he asked for in the midst of his final suffering. As he himself put it on Good Friday, "I offer up my suffering so that God's design is completed and his Word walks among the people." Pope John Paul II believed that by fully and faithfully following God's plan for his life, he might be able to do even more good for God's people on Earth after his death through his intercession as he dwells with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

In reflecting on Pope John Paul II's holy life, I would like to draw special attention to the way in which our Holy Father spoke to the youth of the world, by his words and his example. During his many gatherings for young people and now as millions of youth mourn his passing, we have seen so many young men and women express their profound love for this pope and claim him as an inspiration for their lives. Some have been inspired to answer the holy vocation to married life led and encouraged by the Holy Father's beautiful vision of marriage, sexuality, and the family. Others have been drawn to answer a call to the priesthood or religious life through contemplation of Pope John Paul II's fidelity to his vocation as priest, bishop, and universal pastor. And countless other young men and women who are still discerning their vocations in life have looked to this pope for guidance and hope as they strive to lead lives of chastity and service. Through his courageous leadership and holy example, this pope has invited young men and women everywhere to answer the universal call to holiness and to join him in serving God in this world and the next.

With prayers and best wishes,

Fr. William H. Stetson
Director, Catholic Information Center