On the death of Pope John Paul II
Saturday 2nd April

It is with profound regret and deep sadness that I have learnt of the passing of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church, the Head of State of the Vatican City and also spiritual leader to millions the world over.

I wish on behalf of the Government and People of The Bahamas to convey to His Grace Archbishop Patrick Pinder, the representative of the Catholic Community of The Bahamas our sorrow on learning of his passing.

Pope John Paul II touched the lives of people throughout the world during his pontificate.  He set the standard for outreach for the church in these modern times.  His life was a living example of the sacrifice and pain which comes with leadership, that God’s work on earth is truly our own.  He advocated the rights of the poor, the weak, and the dispossessed to those inalienable rights to which God has made us all heirs. There can be no question that his place in history is secure for the courageousness of his leadership and the deeply religious and moral leadership he has provided the Catholic Church for well nigh 27 years.

His Holiness visited The Bahamas in 1979, a few short months into his Pontificate and many Bahamians to this day can still remember with great fondness his presence in our midst.

The world is richer for his life.  The world shall miss this giant of our times.  We join the millions of Catholics and Christians everywhere in morning his passing.  I ask all Bahamians to pray for the repose of his soul and for the comfort and solace of the faithful.