POPE JOHN PAUL II LEAVES MEMORABLE LEGACY

Saturday, April 9, 2005

Pope John Paul II was laid to rest Saturday with solemn pageantry in a funeral that deeply affected the throngs who gathered at the Vatican and millions around the world.

It was no surprise that presidents and princes came from around the world to attend. For more than a quarter-century, John Paul II was a towering figure in the affairs of nations. His dedication to freedom was a force in the collapse of communism in his native Poland and around the globe.

Even more important, he was a beloved figure as a witness to faith. Millions who never met the pope were drawn to him, inspired, possibly, in ways that cannot be measured.

The outpouring of grief was not unexpected. It reflected the love shown John Paul II in life.

The crowd in St. Peter's Square chanted "Santo! Santo!," urging that John Paul II be made a saint. His successor undoubtedly will consider that.

But saint or no, John Paul II leaves a legacy that will not be forgotten.