Tribute to 'a man of great humanity'

Tribute to Pope John Paul II poured in from every quarter yesterday, as politicians, organisations and dignitaries heaped praise on the legacy left by the Pontiff.

President Eddie Fenech Adami sent a letter of condolence to the Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo.

"Our Pope was a man of great humanity witnessed not only by the Catholic Church but by all nations and faiths," Dr Fenech Adami wrote.

Pope John Paul's courage and charisma enhanced the effective role of the papacy in world affairs, he added.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said that although the Pope has died, people would treasure his messages for many years. He pointed out that Pope John Paul II has conveyed a special message for Malta to cherish its Christian vocation and to be a witness of the faith in Europe.

"The Pope will be remembered for bringing people together; he brought religions closer to each other. He made people more aware of the sick and the poor.

"It is not only Christians who have lost a religious leader. The whole world has lost a leader who stimulated change based on respect for people's dignity.

"I really associate myself with the comments the President made that the Pope has died but we have a saint in heaven to pray for us," Dr Gonzi said.

In a letter to Cardinal Somalo, Dr Gonzi wrote: "I am sure the life of His Holiness will continue to serve as a guiding light for the Catholic world and an inspiration to all people of different faith and belief. He symbolises the genesis of a new politics of hope with the power of transforming the world we live in".

The Prime Minister recalled that the Pope had helped in healing the divisions that marked the European continent since WWII and that he was instrumental in restoring peace, solidarity and democracy among nations.

"He was a supreme and tireless advocate in the battle against poverty, the struggle for justice, the protection of human life and the promotion of human dignity.

"It is with deep gratitude and joyful memories that the people of Malta recall the two visits His Holiness honoured us with," Dr Gonzi wrote.

In a statement issued on Saturday night, Opposition Leader Alfred Sant said John Paul II was a Pope who believed in the need to communicate, both with those in power and, even more importantly, with those who bore the brunt of injustice, discrimination and fear of power.

The Nationalist Party said the Pope had managed to change the course of history through his many trips and speeches.

He was instrumental in changing Europe's geography and political system with the fall of Communism and the reunification of Europe, the PN said.

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo expressed deep sorrow at the death of Pope John Paul II. "He was a world leader who embraced peace, human rights, solidarity and social justice and whose legacy will last forever," Dr Vassallo said.

Other tributes were made by AEGEE, the local wing of the largest European student and youth network. "His contribution to the world of youth and to the fostering of a culture of peace will hopefully instigate many to follow in his footsteps," the group said.

Studenti Demokristjani Maltin said the Pope's visits across the globe were a testimony of his sensibility to the suffering of different populations found in the poorer and oppressed regions of the world.

The National Youth Council said the Pope had actively worked to bring the different religions of the world closer to each other. He had urged the people to understand each other's differences instead of condemning what they did not understand.