John Paul II has died

[Leonard]

Pope John Paul II has died. Pray for a good successor.

[Gerioke]

Catholics Praying for Pope Look to Next One

By Sophie Hardach

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Even as they prayed for the dying Pope on St Peter's Square, Catholics were looking to the next pontiff, all keen he should carry forward John Paul's legacy but some hoping he would be more liberal on doctrine.

Hundreds of faithful were gathered in a somber vigil under the Pope's windows on Saturday, some having stayed up all night. But amidst their sadness at the Pope's fading there was also hope for the future of the Church.

"I'm sure the Lord will not abandon his Church. After this great Pope there will be an even greater one," said Father Ugo Tadni, an Italian priest.

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"He will have to continue (John Paul's) work, the opening to the world and to all religions, to believers and non-believers, the love for young people ... the great political gestures as well as the most simple ones, speaking to the sick and to prisoners."

The charismatic Polish Pope has fostered better ties between his Church and other religions, especially Judaism, during his 26-year reign. John Paul is also credited with helping undermine communism in Eastern Europe.

More recently, millions around the world who opposed the U.S.-led invasion in Iraq admired the Pope's outspoken opposition to the war there.

"I think the next Pope will have to follow his path ... and speak out on issues like the war (in Iraq), saying 'we don't want this'," said Penelope Sanchez, a 23-year-old Mexican.

Some Catholics, however, parted company with John Paul's orthodox interpretation of Church doctrine. Among those praying for him on Saturday were some who hoped for reforms under his successor.

CHURCH "OUT OF TOUCH"

"It would be good if the next pope pushed for more reform than this one but had the same personal appeal," said German pilgrim Elisabeth Huelsdau, praying on the square with her husband Paul.

He agreed, saying the Vatican should allow Catholic priests to marry. John Paul has vigorously defended celibacy for priests.

"I don't see what makes women so different from men that they can't be priests," said 18-year-old Austrian Teresa Galler, while her friend Robert Dullnig objected to the Vatican's tough line against contraception.

"On contraception the Church is out of touch, I disagree with their teachings on condoms," he said.

The Pope was the first non-Italian to become head of the Church for 455 years. There is no favorite to take over, but some churchmen believe the developing world should provide the next pontiff as that is where the religion is most vibrant.

"I would be open to a Latin American or an African Pope, someone who has lived the problems of these countries," said Marianne Rottmann, from Germany.

Almost half the world's Catholics live in Latin America, while Africa is the Church's fastest-growing region.

"For me an African Pope would be great," said Stefania Leone, a Roman housewife, as she knelt to light a candle for John Paul on the paving stones of St. Peter's Square.

There was also support for one of John Paul's countrymen to succeed him.

"It would be nice if it was another Pole because this one was great," said Italian Massimo Rino.

[Botz]

Interestingly I have heard from a reliable source that 2 of the 3 major candidates for the papacy are Jewish. Whoever is chosen may he be a godly and upright man of G-d and a friend to Israel.

[Sir W Dakotah]

Interestingly I have heard from a reliable source that 2 of the 3 major candidates for the papacy are Jewish. Whoever is chosen may he be a godly and upright man of G-d and a friend to Israel.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Some say the next pope will be the false prophet of Revelation.

I also pray that this pope was born again before he died. Eternity is a long time to be seperated from God.

I did hear there were two Cardinals being considered, one was the bishop of Vienna, who recently made a tour of Israel, and said that Israels return to the land was ordained of God and fulfillment of prophecy.

The other is a jewish man who was given to a catholic family by his parents during the war, to avoid persecution of the nazis. They loved him and gave him up for adoption to save him.

[Leonard]

Dakotah: I'm an old guy....people have said EVERY new Pope is going to be the false prophet of Revelation.

I can give you the identity of the false prophet if you're interested, but it's a hard thing to accept.

[Guest calcio_chick_7]

God Bless John Paul II. He was an excellent Pope, and a shining example of how Jesus wants us to live. Pray for him, and for us.

[Sir W Dakotah]

Dakotah:  I'm an old guy....people have said EVERY new Pope is going to be the false prophet of Revelation.

I can give you the identity of the false prophet if you're interested, but it's a hard thing to accept.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Leonard I too am an old person, I have seen in my life time, 4 popes come to power. However, the signs of the times point to a closer day to the coming of our Lord.

[Fiosh]

I'm confused. The Pope says,'"Jesus is Lord!" He proclaims it to the world. He encourages people to give their lives to Christ. He lives out his faith...he protects the unborn, the poor, the disabled. And, still some say, "Gee, I think he's the anti-Christ".

Well, folks, the Bible says that false prophets will not say, "Jesus is Lord"

I Cor 12:3

I John 4:2

Give the guy a break! I think there's a good chance he might have been "saved.

Fiosh

[other one]

Interestingly I have heard from a reliable source that 2 of the 3 major candidates for the papacy are Jewish. Whoever is chosen may he be a godly and upright man of G-d and a friend to Israel.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But will he be a friend to christians????? that is the important question. A lot of things have happened within the church in the past 50 years and not nearly the majority of it is really good, but this is not the time or place to get into all that.

when a man dies, and things are in turmoil so to speak, is not the time to discuss dirty laundry.

Sam

[RustyAngeL]

I believe he knew the Lord as savior, and rests in Heaven now free from the sick body that he struggled with for so many years. I rejoyce for him.