The Pope...

I grew up "sort of Catholic." By that, I mean that because my "religious" side of my family was Catholic (hey - we're Irish!), I was baptized Catholic and sort of went to mass a few times.

My grandfather was a Catholic. He believed in the Church. Most of all he believed in Jesus. He understood, as Pope John Paul II has stated, that one must have a relationship with Jesus to get to heaven. My grandfather had that saving faith as evidenced in my last conversation with him on this earth.

Which brings me to the Pope. I believe that JP2 has done many great things to further not just Catholicism, but true Christianity. While I am a Protestant, my grandfather's death brought me back into contact with his "brand" of faith. I found the elements of the service mystical in a good way. I understood the reason for the rituals and repetition - even if some of it has become vain.

I am saddened to read of the Pope's condition. I was challenged by his perseverance to the end in discharging his ministry. He seems like a sweet, kind man. I believe that he has done much good. And I pray that his successor stays the course.