Expressing deep grief by the passing away of Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Felipe Neri Ferrao on Sunday recalled the Holy Father as a ‘Global Statesman, inaugurating a new order of international solidarity.’

In his message to the catholic community in the archdiocese of Goa and Daman, Archbishop Ferrao said: "We are all saddened by the passing away of our beloved Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, after an outstanding pastoral leadership of 26 years to the Universal Church."

"At the same time, we thank the same God for the gifts He bestowed on this great Shepherd, who guided the destinies of the Church in really challenging times, through a long and eventful pontificate."

Describing Pope John Paul as a "Pilgrim Pope, always on the move," Archbishop Ferrao said the Holy Father was "eager to spread the message of Joy, Peace and Love of Jesus in every corner of the world."

"He was a staunch defender of Human Rights, raising his voice for the poor, the marginalized and the persecuted. Such was his personal charisma that he rose to become a Global Citizen, in fact, a Global Statesman, inaugurating a new order of international solidarity, which brought about a considerable change in the socio-political world scene."

Recalling the Holy Father as "a man of deep faith and of intense prayer," Archbishop Ferrao said: "he was a powerful communicator, who could relate to all sections of the people, especially the young. His ecumenical action and his efforts at Inter-religious Dialogue were noteworthy."

Archbishop Ferrao added that Pope John Paul II was "a tireless Advocate of a Culture of Life, who spared no efforts to defend the sacredness of life and the dignity of the human person right from the moment of conception. A man of strong convictions on vital moral issues, he possessed the strength to stand by them, uncompromising, even in the face of fierce opposition. We pray for his eternal rest."

(Courtesy: Herald)