Prime Minister Anthony Reacts to Pontiff's Death
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Prime Minister Anthony Reacts to Pontiff's Death |
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Contact: Chris Satney
Monday, April 04, 2005 - Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony has reacted to the death of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church Pope John Paul the second. The 264th Pontiff succumbed to illness at his Vatican apartment on Saturday April 2nd, at the age of 84. In a statement to the nation on Monday April 4th, on the Pope’s passing, Dr. Anthony described John Paul’s papacy as exemplifying his vision of a civilization of love which could help humanity achieve its goal of authentic and lasting peace. “His was a love that spoke to inclusiveness, to reconciliation, to reaching out and accommodating other peoples, other cultures, other faiths. It is for this reason that his death mourned not only by the Catholic community world-wide, which he has led so selflessly and steadfastly, but by people from all walks of life, in countries big and small, all over the world,” Dr. Anthony said. The island’s Prime Minister also recalled Pope John Paul’s visit to the island in 1986 and the message he brought to St. Lucians, especially the youth. “During his visit he spoke of the growth of the church here, and we have been witnessing not only a spiritual revival in the different faiths, but also an acceptance of the religious ecumenism which he advocated then, and which he continued to live through his own relationship and interaction with the leaders and members of other faiths. We will remember Pope John Paul II for his candour, for his tireless promotion of peace and social justice, for his respect for human rights, for his courage of strength, for his openness and humility,” the St. Lucian Leader said. Read Full Text of statement by Prime Minister on the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II |
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