A desire for world unity (From Gazette Series)

A desire for world unity

THE Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Rev Michael Perham, said: "I give thanks for a Christian leader of faith, courage and holiness.

"Formed by his Polish origins and the history of the Polish nation, Pope John Paul was thoroughly engaged with the world and had a real passion for justice.

"He had the particular desire for unity, both among Christians and, beyond that, with all people of faith in the world. In particular, Anglicans will be grateful for his interest in the Church of England and remember with affection his visit to England and to Canterbury.

"It is important to remember him, not so much as a frail old man, even though he showed great courage and perseverance, but through most of his time as Pope as a man of immense energy and intellect.

"For Roman Catholics the death of the Holy Father is a moment of both sadness and change, and we assure them of our prayers as Christian pilgrims on the same journey.

"We shall also be praying for those whose task it is to choose a new Pope. We know that they will want to elect a man of confident yet open faith, who will have a world view as well as wanting to play a key role in the renewal of the church in Europe."