Pope, a voice of freedom
published: Thursday | April 14, 2005

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THANKS FOR granting me the privilege to congratulate publicly Ian Boyne, veteran journalist, on his article, 'John Paul II' appearing in The Sunday Gleaner of April 12, 2005. Mr. Boyne has succinctly, analytically and competently presented a very enlightening account of the remarkable and incomparable awareness and the position of his late Holiness, Pope John Paul II, on world affairs and on moral, theological, political, social and economic issues.

Pope John Paul II is to be viewed as undoubtedly the most enlightened and most humane of world leaders in modern times. He was the Vicar of Christ in every sense of this ecclesiastical term. That he did have tremendous influence on world leaders and commanded their reverence and respect was even more evident in the presence of state heads who joined in mourning his loss to the world. Boyne accurately summarises that "He (John Paul II) was a voice of freedom for all and while he reinforced the importance of [Catholic] doctrine," he offered the "hand of fellowship to other believers".

It is sincerely hoped that his successor will be less unbending and more liberal in dealing with Church issues such as the liberalisation of women in the Catholic Church, contraception and priestly celibacy.

I am, etc.,

OREN O. COUSINS

cousinsoren@yahoo.com