John Paul II's life

an example for all

April 5, 2005

Frontiersman editorial board

The death of Pope John Paul II on Saturday closed the book on a landmark period in the history of both the Catholic Church and the world.

As the 26-year leader of the world's 1 billion-plus Catholics, John Paul II's reign was the third longest in the church's history. But it was personal charisma, unflinching faith and a deep love for people everywhere, not longevity, that led the Vatican to refer to him as "John Paul the Great" when announcing his death.

This is no idle honorific. It is only the third time in the church's long history that the title has been officially bestowed on a pope, and just the first time since Gregory I in the Middle Ages.

In matters of doctrine, John Paul often proved to be divisive. Hailed as the church's first "modern pope" when he came to power in 1978, he nonetheless clung tightly to some centuries-old traditions. He refused, for example, to budge from positions on sexual ethics and the role of women in the clergy. Indeed, his reluctance to take a hard line in the sexual-abuse scandal that has plagued the clergy in recent years drew criticism from some quarters.

Still, his greatness was evident in the role he played in reaching out to Muslims and other Christian denominations. John Paul was also instrumental in contributing to the fall of communism through his outspoken support of the Solidarity labor movement in his native Poland in the early years of his reign.

It was not just his fellow Poles who drew his support, though. He was a staunch advocate of workers' rights worldwide and a constant voice for the oppressed everywhere. He was a tireless fighter for religious freedom and social justice, earning him well-deserved worldwide adoration. His international following was solidified by his extensive travels, and teeming cheering crowds greeted him wherever he went.

His travels twice brought him to Alaska - once to Anchorage, in 1981 for an appearance on the Delaney Park Strip, and again in 1984, when he met with then-President Reagan in Fairbanks. During that visit, Reagan was hosted by then-Sen. Frank Murkowski. Twenty-one years later, now-Gov. Murkowski stated in a Saturday press release that the pope's humility and emphasis of the bonds we all hold in common - those of friendship, faith and love - were what made him such a transcendent personality.

"Pope John Paul II encouraged us to recognize the wonderful diversity of Alaska and to live in harmony and accord together," Murkowski said. "He reminded us to fight for the oppressed, be thankful for our religious freedom and seek peace. That is the legacy of this great man."

We hope that people everywhere, of all faiths, will remember the example of John Paul II and strive, in whatever small ways, to keep his spirit and legacy alive.