Thousands of tributes have been paid to our dear Holy Father by people of many faiths, and leaders of many nations. We might here recite with pride the long list of his accomplishments. There is no need of that. Enter into the kingdom My Father has prepared for you. But again there is no need for such vindication.
Truth ultimately prevails and history chronicles the judgement.
We might even join in the inevitable speculation about the successor of Pope Paul. But such speculation, however interesting, is basically non-productive and our task is to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the Cardinals who bear the awesome responsibility of being the human instruments who choose the 262nd successor of Saint Peter. We pray with a certain tranquillity for we are assured that He Who calmed the waters once will bring the Bark of Peter safely home. What then are we gathered for on this memorable day. For we are his family, and we are mindful of our own, in life and in death.