Question About the Pope

Why are people so sad?

Published on April 1, 2005 By JillUser In Current Events

I am not catholic and am honestly interested in the feelings toward the pope passing on. I heard a report about the spokesman for the pope being surprised at how serene and at ease he seems to be with the gravity of his situation. If the Pope can't be at ease with death, who can?

Are people sad for the Pope or for themselves? I am not sad for the Pope. If he gets to be with God, why be sad about that? I would think being trapped in that sick, aged, failing body would be torture. Why not be glad for him?

Are most people sad simply because the world is losing such a progressive catholic leader? Are people concerned about having a proper successor? I am truly curious. I am not judging anyone or their faith. Just interested in opinions.

Comments

Dr Guy

on Apr 01, 2005

Are people sad for the Pope or for themselves? I am not sad for the Pope. If he gets to be with God, why be sad about that?

I am sad for humankind, and that he has to suffer so. But I also know his suffering is by his own choice. Like Mother Theresa, I dont think there is any doubt of his final destination. I am not sad for myself. I greatly respect and admire the man even if I dont agree with a lot of his ideas.

Are most people sad simply because the world is losing such a progressive catholic leader?

Pope John Paul II is not progressive. He is extremely idealogically conservative. But he is a man of his word and of peace.

Are people concerned about having a proper successor?

No. I only hope that we do not have another one month Pope as we did in 78. The next one may carry on in the tradition of John Paul II (in some ways I hope he does, and in some ways I hope he does not), but I only pray that he will be as honest and true to his faith as John Paul is.

shadesofgrey

on Apr 01, 2005

I think it is natural for people to be sad when some one is on the verge of death--regardless of whether or not you believe that they are going to a better place, there is a sense of loss that needs to be overcome. I suppose, though, I don't really understand the question, "why is everyone so sad?" -- as if it is strange that people would be saddened at the death of the Pope...no one asked "why is everyone so sad" when Ronald Reagan died.

Pope John Paul II is the only Pope I've ever known--it will be weird to attend mass and hear references to another Pope. Change isn't bad, but sometimes hard to get used to.

JillUser

on Apr 02, 2005

Pope John Paul II is not progressive.

I said most progressive catholic leader. I didn't say he was progressive in general. He did things as far as relationships with the Jewish people that had never ever been done by the Catholics before (like apologizing for what happened in WWII). Please, I know he is conservative and idealogical. I also know he is Polish

I don't really understand the question, "why is everyone so sad?" -- as if it is strange that people would be saddened at the death of the Pope...no one asked "why is everyone so sad" when Ronald Reagan died.

You greatly misconstrued my question. I understand that people are sad. I just want to understand the reasoning behind their sadness. People may have been sad about Reagan's death for many reasons. I like to learn about people from all cultures and religions since my own experiences often lead me to different conclusions. Forgive me for my curiosity.

Dr Guy

on Apr 03, 2005

I would still debate the progressive label. Not to argue. but your justification of the label is not really anything but his faith and greatness shining through. He lived what he believed. That is kind of hard to label conservative, progressive or liberal. The best label is honest.

Dr Guy

on Apr 03, 2005

Nothing to forgive, and I hope at least I did shed some light on the issue. You see, in a way, we are now relieved and happy for him. We are sad for mankind as it has lost another great leader.

JillUser

on Apr 03, 2005

You see, in a way, we are now relieved and happy for him. We are sad for mankind as it has lost another great leader.

I can totally understand that. Thanks.

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