“In a certain sense he was 'American’. He enjoyed people. He had a great sense of humor. He was humble, all the things that America likes in their leaders, and I think we saw that in him, therefore we became very close to him. — Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington.
“Unforgettable ... were his visits to Quebec, as well as his participation in the World Youth Day in Toronto in July of 2002, which inspired hundreds of thousands of young people with the strength and clarity of his moral vision.” — Prime Minister of Canada Paul Martin.
“I recall very fondly my meetings with him, particularly sitting with him in his private quarters discussing the question of war and peace when we were thinking about what to do in Kosovo." “He ... (was) extremely concerned about the world we lived in, and like me, he also felt that in war, all are losers.” — U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan.
He was “a great religious figure who devoted his life to defending the values of peace, freedom, justice and equality for all races and religions, as well as our people’s right to independence.” — Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
“Pope John Paul II not only visited Nigeria twice but stood by the country in its fight against dictatorship and injustice.” — Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“For us Catholics, John Paul II will be remembered as a traveling Pope ... and we should also remember he preached world peace. When the United States invaded Iraq, for example, John Paul II said it was an illegal and immoral act.” — President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez.
So, this Pope was remembered fondly by all, except communists and gay-activists.
Telling...
Article comments
1 - bhw
Let's try this again:
Yasser Arafat was one of the outstanding freedom fighters of this generation, one who gave his entire life to the cause of the Palestinian people.
We honour his memory today.
Former South African President Nelson Mandela
The values and high virtues that Arafat embodied during his struggle for the Palestinian cause will inspire the Palestinian people so that they preserve their cohesion and unity and pursue their path to win back their national, legitimate and eternal rights.
Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali
With him disappears a man of courage and conviction who for 40 years incarnated the Palestinians' fight for recognition of their national rights.
France, like its partners in the European Union, will maintain, firmly and with conviction, its commitment to two states... living side by side in peace and security.
The road map, approved by Yasser Arafat, opens up that prospect.
[...] I came to bow before President Yasser Arafat and pay him a final homage.
France, of course, will continue to tirelessly act for peace and security in the Middle East and will do so with respect for the rights of the Palestinian and Israeli people.
French President Jacques Chirac
A great political leader of international significance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
It is perhaps the most tragic aspect of President Arafat's death that he did not live to see the fruition of his ambition of a Palestinian state, despite the early promise which attended his election as president of the Palestinian Authority.
Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern
Looks like Arafat was remembered fondly, too. Telling....
2 - Dave Nalle
I agree the Pope was pretty bad, but not as bad as Arafat. Though your set of quotes do show what absolute whores most national leaders are.
Dave
3 - bhw
Though your set of quotes do show what absolute whores most national leaders are.
That was more my point.
4 - Peggy Salman
When i was younger and seen on tv, the day the Pope forgave the man who shot him....was the the biggest change in my life.
The most moving thing i had ever seen, and have NEVER forgot it.
What testament to US all...