As news spread of the death of Pope John Paul II, people across the Chicago area talked with Tribune reporters about the man who held the papacy since 1978. On the day the pope will be laid to rest in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, here are some of their thoughts:
“He made you feel the presence of God. I don’t know that anyone else can do that, or will do that.”
Tami Grabinski, 42, at St. Alexander Parish in Villa Park
“He was like Christ. I just liked to look at him. I’m going to miss seeing him. Knowing that he is not going to be around anymore, that hurts.”
Jean Domagala, 67, at St. Michael Parish in Orland Park
“I was very attached to him, his personality, his sense of honor. He was an athlete, a skier, and I don’t know how many languages he spoke. I don’t think we’ll see a man like that again in our lifetime. There’s no way he can be emulated. I don’t expect it of the next pope. He was a giant of a person.”
Patrick Ambler, 67, at St. Agnes Church’s Divine Mercy Adoration Chapel in Chicago Heights
“He was a very great leader. He created so much good for humanity. He was there for humanity, not any sect or color or creed. He was a friend to mankind. He was always promoting peace. He created so much goodwill amongst all religions. He visited mosques. He even went to synagogues. We lost a great leader, a great statesman. … May God bless the pope.”
Mahboob Ali, 54, at Ismaili Community Center in Chicago
“He’s still looking out for us where he is.”
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Luz Chavez, 38, at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in Elmhurst
“He visited the Holy Land. That visit was absolutely something great. He at least tried to get the whole world to focus on the problem there and help everyone reach a solution. I hope his holy soul will fly over the Holy Land and help everyone there to live in peace and love and harmony. That was his message. I hope this message will prevail one day in the Holy Land.”
Ahmed Zorab, 33, of Orland Park
“He made people think. I think he challenged people–and I think the uncompromising part was good. I think you like that in a leader.”
Paul Popernik, at St. Gertrude Parish in Chicago
“I feel sad. He was a pope of the people, a brother to Mexico. He loved Mexico and made the Mexican people real proud of him. He was a friend of the Mexican people. Mejor amigo–our best friend–that’s how we’ll remember him.”
Victor Gonzalez, 37, owner of Elgin Jewelers
“Of course we’re all saddened, but we’re resurrection people. We’re Easter people. We know he’s with the Lord now. That’s where we keep our focus. Even though we’re sad his body is gone, as our faith teaches us, he will be resurrected.
“He was unwavering in truth. Amidst all the moral relativism, the moral decay, he stood as an unwavering beacon of truth. He taught the dignity of the person and that all life is valuable.”
Markie Works, 43, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Chicago
“He was a man who cared for people. He was always for [social] rights and for helping people of all kinds. He will be missed all over the world.”
Thelma Harris, 74, at St. Sabina Parish in Chicago
“The theme of his papacy was: Do not be afraid. That message went out to Poland and the entire world. People believed him, and they became free.”
Rev. Tuan Van Nguyen, at St. Alexander Parish in Villa Park
“He made connections with people who are not even Catholic. The man was very charismatic. The loss is that he touched so many people and people from different faiths and different races.”
Adrian DaPrato, at Tempo Cafe in Chicago
“I think God took him because he needs help with all of the people in the world. He will help God.”
Anna Kesek, 57, at Five Holy Martyrs Parish in Chicago