End of an era

Ever since Friday morning, when I heard about the deteriorating state of the Pope's health, I've been holding my breath, waiting for for the other shoe to drop. I was taking a break this afternoon, watching CNN, when the official announcement was made. Even though I really was expecting it, the news struck an emotional chord deep inside me. I have long struggled with my relationship to the Catholic Church, and I've sometimes found myself dismayed by some of the positions John Paul II has taken. But I have to respect his tremendous personal integrity and faith, not to mention his true commitment to human rights and world peace.

John Paul II has revolutionized the papacy. Never before has a Pope been so accessible to the people of the world or traveled so many distant corners of it to bring his message in person. If this was his only legacy, it would still be a mark of his greatness.

There are so many thoughts bouncing around my head tonight, but I'm having trouble pulling them together coherently. I guess I need time to absorb this news. I wish I'd been able to go to my church for a while today, but I had Daddy duty, watching our girls. Maybe I can get some quiet time in church tomorrow morning after mass...