By Esther McKenna
A universally beloved and respected leader, John Paul II was credited with helping to bring about the fall of communism, staunchly defending those "persecuted by ideologies and powers that denied the transcendent value of the human spirit," said Murphy. As a defender of human life and dignity, especially the poor and downtrodden, John Paul II was often referred to as the people's pope.
"It's a terrible loss not just for Catholics, but the whole world," said William Peterson as he exited Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Malverne Sunday afternoon. "His legacy will last forever."
John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyla in Krakow, Poland, in 1920, was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years when he rose from little known cardinal to leader of millions of Catholics in 1978. He made seven trips to the United States during his papacy.
"It's so sad. He was a wonderful person," said Maria Salute as she left Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes in Malverne Sunday. "I saw him when he came to New York and it was just spectacular. There was an aura about him. It was just overwhelming. I hope he rests in peace."
Two special masses were held for the pope on Sunday and Monday at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre. For one parishioner, the death couldn't be more personal. Rockville Centre resident Agnieszka, who asked that her last name not be used, is from Krakow. "For us, his death is particularly sad. We feel a certain bond with him that no one else can really understand," said Agnieszka, who left her homeland three years ago. Visibly upset, she was among hundreds of mourners who attended the special 11 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Emil Wcela.
Amid strains of the opening hymn, mourners filed into the pews of the church to hear words of comfort about John Paul II, who had the third longest papacy in history.
On the second Sunday of Easter, also known as the Sunday of Divine Mercy, Bishop Wcela spoke about how the events of the past week - the deaths of Terri Schiavo and the pope - were reminders to all about the reality of death. With the two deaths occurring during the Easter season, the bishop said that it was a time to think about life and death and what it all means.
"I didn't know the pope well," said Bishop Wcela in his homily, but recalled four meetings he had with him over the years. He recalled seeing a vigorous pope on three out of four visits - one who was an athlete, a skier and a hiker and who enjoyed great health. Wcela applauded the pontiff for his global visits, for connecting so well with youth, for being a dominant force in the fall of communism, for standing up to Nazi tyranny, and for healing the rift between the church and its Jewish brethren.
The bishop last visited the Vatican last October and, he said of the pope, "It was clear that his life had changed." No longer the robust man who would lunch with visiting bishops in small groups and ask them to show him their dioceses by pointing them out on a map, on this visit, Wcela recalled, the bishops met with the pope just once.
Wcela greeted people as they filed out into the cold noontime rain that had fallen during the service. "We lost a great man, but the church will continue," he said. "He made a great contribution to who we all are." Speaking for the people of Krakow, a sad Agnieszka said, "For us he was not only the Holy Father, but also a father and a brother."
"He loved the Vatican and he loved people of all denominations," said Ralph Bartone outside of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Malverne Sunday. "He did his best to teach everyone to do their best. You can't ask anything more than that from a world leader."
John Paul II was the most widely traveled pope in history, having visited 170 countries during his 26-year papacy. His global visits endeared him to people of all races and religions. He encountered more people than any other pope. More than 17.6 million people attended his general audiences, and he had 737 meetings with heads of state.
"We're all in mourning, but happy at the same time," said Jim Alger, an Our Lady of Lourdes parishioner. "Our leader has gone to be with Christ."
Brian Zanzonico and Beth Wallach contributed to this story.
Comments on this story? Baldwineditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 207.
