ON THE DEATH OF HIS HOLINESS POPE JOHN PAUL II

3 April 2005

My wife and I, along with all Australians, are deeply saddened by the death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II in The Vatican City.

But we give thanks for his remarkable life because John Paul II was one of the great spiritual leaders and men of our time. He was a true apostle of peace and a powerful advocate of international reconciliation, social justice, interfaith co‑operation, human rights and democratic values.

The Pope displayed unflinching courage throughout the term of his Papacy stretching over a quarter of a century. Having survived an assassination attempt in 1981, he continued reaching out to all peoples, especially during his many visits to every corner of the globe, spreading a spirit of freedom, understanding, and harmony. Rather than give in to the debilitating Parkinson's disease, he showed that through strength of character, people suffering a disability can also inspire.

Overcoming human frailty was a theme His Holiness addressed when he visited Australia in 1986. In a Homily for the Mass for Priests and Seminarians at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne, he said:

"The longer a man has the privilege of serving as a priest, the more aware he becomes of human limitations and failures, the more keenly he feels the burden of his own human weakness. Rather than discouraging us, however, this realization should remind us that when we are weak Christ is strong".

Pope John Paul II will be deeply missed but long and fondly remembered.

On behalf of the people of Australia, I have written to the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, extending the nation’s deepest sympathies and condolences to the worldwide communion of the Roman Catholic Church.

May a great and good man rest in peace.