Article Added On: April 03, 2005 - over 3 years ago
Title: Letter writers praise, criticize John Paul II
Author: CBC
Publication: CBC news
Publication Date: January 01, 2005 - over 3 years ago
Faith Groups: Roman Catholic
Themes: religious attitudes in Canada

Abstract: "Millions upon millions of baptized Catholics who have left the church because of its retrograde teachings on sexuality, marriage, birth control, homosexuality and the place of women in the church and society in general."

Sunday, April 3, 2005

TORONTO - Canadians remembered Pope John Paul II with a mixture of heartfelt tributes and restrained criticism Sunday.

Writers to CBC.ca's Viewpoint section mostly recalled a Pope who inspired and touched them, but a number took time to describe how they felt his beliefs and actions did damage around the world.

Robert Graham of Burlington, Ont., was among the 84-year-old Pope's many fans who sent their thoughts to CBC.ca.

"A shining beacon to the world is now dimmed," he wrote. "Agree with him or not, this giant of a man cannot be discounted."

Anna Ash of Ladysmith, B.C., agreed with that summary.

"The Holy Father may have seemed to be out of step but in reality he was not," she wrote. "He was charged to hold the truth and the conscience of our faith. I am proud to be a Catholic and proud of my papa."

Hailed for reaching out to non-Catholics

Several letter writers mentioned the pontiff's contribution to world peace and better relations among members of the planet's different religions.

"He left an incredible legacy of reaching out to people of all ages, faiths and walks of life. He will be missed," wrote Laura Moro of London, Ont. "It is my hope as a Catholic that his successor will continue and expand upon this legacy."

Junaid Alam of Toronto is a Muslim who feels much the same way.

"Pope John Paul II truly represented Canadian values in that he preached that the world should co-exist not by conversion but through co-operation," Alam wrote.

"My prayers go to the Pope; I am sure he will rest in peace. My prayers go to the church; may it find another pope of equal leadership to John Paul II. And finally, my prayers go to Catholics worldwide; may their grief be tempered by the successes of Pope John Paul II's life."

Media coverage needs balance, some writers say

A handful of people wrote to say they were disturbed by what they perceived as a lack of balance in media coverage about the Pope's life and death.

W. Thompson of Kanata, Ont., said the negative aspects of John Paul II's legacy include "millions upon millions of baptized Catholics who have left the church because of its retrograde teachings on sexuality, marriage, birth control, homosexuality and the place of women in the church and society in general.

"I remember praying for this Pope as a child at Sunday mass," Thompson wrote. "Today, I celebrate the end of a papacy that forced me to leave the church... I am definitely NOT a youth this pope 'connected' with."

Tony Matthews of Kingston, N.S., echoed that perspective.

"While certain groups of people around the world mourn the passing of this Pope, let's not forget the pain, misery and death that this papacy and the Catholic Church in general have caused," he wrote.

"Although Pope John Paul has been described as a great man by some, his main purpose was to enforce the antiquated views held by the church