So, "Christ has opened the doors" to Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II. Curiously, I find myself moved by the experience of watching the passing of our Holy Father, but not particularly saddened or distraught. He has run the good race, fought the good fight, lived a full life of great service to Christ and his Church -- and he himself seems content to go when the Lord calls him.
Of course I will miss him, like all those faithful Catholics (and other Christians as well) who consider themselves blessed to live under his pontificate, but I know as well that he will be going to his eternal reward. Fr. Fessio, via Insight Scoop, offers some good advice on this matter:
The Pope, like all of us, is mortal. And like all of us he was created for eternal joy in heaven. If this is the moment God calls him to himself, we should all rejoice and pray that he will be rewarded for his heroic labors for Christ, the Church, human dignity, and the world. The achievements of his long and fruitful pontificate are too numerous and varied even to make a selection. But he certainly fulfilled the prophetic role of the Vicar of Christ and of every bishop and priest: to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in season and out of season. His successor? It will be a surprise. The Holy Spirit will guide the choice. Speculation is a harmless indoor sport; but it is not a good use of one’s time.
According to the New York Post the Pope was able, with the help of his secretary, to write a note:
"I am happy. You should be as well. Let us pray."
EWTN has an excellent special feature on The Pontificate of Pope John Paul II.
Also, for those who are intrigued by this whole process, Catholic blogger Domenico Bettinelli Jr. has a post on Papal Election and Succession - What happens when a pope dies?
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