The people hail their Pope

The demise of Pope John Paul II has left a great void in the lives of millions across the world and in Malta Catholics were filled with grief at having to bid farewell to the man whose personal magnetism touched everyone's lives.

In a vox pop yesterday, a day after the 84-year-old Pontiff succumbed to his ailments, many described him as a man who was respected by all the religious denominations and who sought peace and fought for freedom.

Despite having great admiration for the man, some of the younger people questioned the Pope's unwavering stand on issues such as contraception and divorce.

However, all those interviewed praised him for his attempts to reach out to other faiths, in search of reconciliation after centuries of hostility and suspicion, and his keen interest in social justice.

Edgar Cassar, of Valletta, described the Pope as a remarkable man who touched the lives of believers and non-believers alike.

"I don't think it will be easy to find another Pope to fill his shoes - he was a giant. Though he is described by many as being conservative, I have to say I adhere to his values and cannot see how certain things he felt so strongly about can be changed," Mr Cassar said.

Many believe it will be very hard for his successor to change the Church's view on issues such as birth control and women priests, among others.

However, Steve Zarb, of Swieqi, who holds Pope John Paul II in high esteem, believes the new Pontiff should be more forward-looking and modern in his beliefs.

John Vella, of Mosta, shared Mr Zarb's views and admitted that the Pope had failed to leave an impact on his life, until the moment of his death.

"I felt his intransigence over issues like women priests, contraception and gays signalled the exit door for several young people. But I must confess that since his death I have come to realise, more than ever, how his brilliant communication skills managed to entice so many to Christianity. His courage, perseverance and faith in the last week before his death would make any grown up weep."

This thought was echoed by Alexandra Grech, of Sliema, who believes that the Church's condemnation of birth control in the face of so many millions dying of AIDS, especially in countries like Africa, only served to alienate many from the Church.

"I consider myself to be a firm believer but the Church's stand (on contraception) is one issue where I fail to see eye-to-eye with the institution I am a member of. The Church should be realistic because it is losing hundreds of its younger followers as a result of this and other matters such as homosexuality," she said.

On the other hand, Paul Pisani, of St Julians, feels it was important to bear in mind that if you were a member of a club, you have to play and abide by its rules.

"I believe that the Church has to be a guiding light and if it starts to change its stance on these matters it could risk losing its credibility among many. The Pope was right to hold on strong to his views. He was a distinct personality and a man who will be hard to match," he said.

Mary Gatt, of Valletta, said the news of the Pope's death shocked the whole world. She hopes his successor takes up where this Pope left and continues to instil good values in young people's lives.

Michelle Ellul, of Attard, agreed wholeheartedly with this point adding the Pope had led an exemplary life and his demise was an irreparable loss.