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Originally Posted by brknkybrd
Somehow I doubt this guy would have wanted the media circus that is going on now.
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John Paul II was actually a very large supporter of the media, the most ever of any Pope. He frequently took advantage of the "media circus" to get his word out to more people. He enjoyed having a lot of coverage whenever he travelled, as it also gave more people hope because they knew he was around and could hear him speak. He specifically sought after all people- rich, middle-class, poor, prisoners, everyone, with compassion, and used the free press to spread his faith. I think he'd be happy that lots more people got to hear his last message because of the media coverage. You have to keep in mind that no matter what your religion, there are places in the world and people in the world who consider hearing the Pope talk a blessing in itself. To be able to readily find out his final comment would be very reassuring in a time of mourning.
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Originally Posted by Painted
...I loathe him because he is the leader of a group of people who tortured and killed thousands of gays, "witches", and heresists (people of other religions). And he/they never said "sorry".
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First of all, as stated above, he DID publicly apologize (i think in 2000) for practically everything the Catholic church has done wrong to others throughout history. The Crusades, their non-involvement with WWII- several things.
Also, as said above, I can think of many other cultures with a LOT more blood on their hands. We could start right here in the U.S. if you prefer, but I don't feel like typing for an hour.
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Originally Posted by Rdr4evr
...His death has zero effect on me for the fact that he is just another man who has herded countless sheep to bow in his presence, as did all ‘leaders’ before him and as all will do after him. He is simply a man that succumbed to the powerful grasp of organized religion who happened to be placed in a position of power. Good people die everyday, people who choose not to be in the spotlight, and their lives are just as significant, and shouldn’t deserve less recognition. I don't think the Popes loss is any greater than any other human loss, although most of humanity places greater value on one mans life and none to the next.
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You make it sound like he started a small cult somewhere and made a few people kiss his ass for a while- his following is over a billion people, worldwide. He heads an "organized religion" that provides more charity relief than any other charitable organization in the world. If nothing else, he should deserve a little respect and recognition for spending his life trying to make other people's lives better. Sure there are people who can say they help their fellow human, but I think what this man has done would considerably outweigh the political or monetary contributions anyone else has made to the world.
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I am very sad at the news, but I know what he's been going through- parkinson's, crippling arthritis, then some organ troubles, troubles breathing, flu, surgeries...
I am happy now, because I know he is finally at peace. God bless him and all those whose lives he's touched...