Posted on: Saturday, April 2, 2005

Catholics cherish pope as 'symbol of righteousness'

By Mary Kaye Ritz
Advertiser Religion & Ethics Writer

As Pope John Paul II's life ebbed, his legacy began to crystallize for those who loved and respected him.

The pope is was known for his larger-than-life vitality, leadership in world affairs and outreach to other faiths.

Ted Chihara, 63, of Lihu'e, a Catholic who attends St. Catherine Church in Kapa'a, Kaua'i, said he was impressed by the pope's strength in the face of his ailments.

"In spite of that, because of his drive, he keeps on going," Chihara said.

Chihara noted that the pope's travels around the world took him to more countries than any of his predecessors.

"It's like being an apostle and a prophet," Chihara said. "You've got to extend your spirit to people. You gotta get out there. And he did."

Rev. James Berry, who delivered a homily in honor of the pope yesterday at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Kihei, Maui, said he saw John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica shortly after he was named pope in 1978.

"Back then, when he walked into the room, it was electrifying," Berry said.

The pope was "very stern about spiritual matters" but also concerned about such issues as AIDS and hunger among children, Berry said.

The Very Rev. Joe Grimaldi said the pope's legacy centers on the powerful moral force he exerted throughout the world.

"Look at what he's done, not only in Europe — including Germany and Poland, where his influence has been powerfully felt — but throughout the whole United States," said the judicial vicar, who studied canon law in Rome.

Grimaldi said it always amazed him how the pope attracted the youth, "but perhaps that's because people are so hungry for someone to take a stand for what is good with the world. There's no question, they see him as a symbol of righteousness."

The Rev. Hal Weidner of Holy Trinity wrote about the pope's tenure for the church bulletin, remarking on how John Paul II served as a bridge between Eastern Europe and its churches, Catholic and Orthodox, and his relations with leaders of other faiths.

Even among Protestants, the pope had an influence.

Jack Hoag, spokesman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the pope set standards. "In this troubled world we're in, where there's such a war of cultures in terms of values, the pope has been a stalwart warrior for the traditions that are in many respects deteriorating."

Hoag said Mormons admire the pope for his moral leadership. "The church has gone through some troubled times, and the pope has tried to lead the way in reforming some of the things that happened that hurt the church," he said.

While some like Helen Baroni, who was raised Catholic, take issue with the direction John Paul II took the church, even they do not deny his powerful charisma.

In 1979, Baroni attended a Mass he served in Iowa.

"I went to hear him say Mass in a cow pasture," she recalled. "He was so powerful, an incredible speaker."

"I was raised in the liberal end of the church," said Baroni, chair of the University of Hawai'i's religion department. She said his conservative decisions set back some of the advances that arose from Vatican II. "But that doesn't change the fact that he's a remarkably charismatic leader."

Staff writers Vicki Viotti, Christie Wilson, Jan TenBruggencate and Mike Gordon contributed to this report.