Dobson Grieves Pope's Passing

Focus on the Family
Saturday, 2 April 2005

Death of pontiff a great loss to the world

Focus on the Family Chairman Dr. James C. Dobson released the following statement today in response to news that Pope John Paul II had died:

"Today's passing of Pope John Paul II is an immeasurable loss – not only to our friends of the Roman Catholic faith, but to the entire world. We found common cause with him and with the 'culture of life' he espoused so eloquently; the legacy he left us is to be cherished.

"While we grieve the profound loss of this remarkable man, we celebrate his life, his ministry and his undeniable impact on the world. During his time as leader of the Catholic Church, he embodied the belief that freedom is a gift from God that should not be infringed by any government; that all life is precious and should be protected; and that dying is part of living and should not be feared nor hastened artificially.

"Pope John Paul was an uncompromising voice on the sanctity of life – in fact, his was one of the greatest contributions of the 20th century to that cause. The 'culture of life' will forever be indebted to the man who championed the value of all human life, even to his last breath."

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