Pope “accomplished a century of work,” says Archbishop Chaput

Denver, Colo., Apr 1, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M. Cap, Archibhsop of Denver, said today that  Pope John Paul II “embodied the greatest qualities of the Second Vatican Council,” and acomplished “a century of work” in the 26 years of his pontificate.

Archbishop Chaput said on Saturday, immediately after learning about the Pontiff’s death, that “a deep fidelity to Jesus Christ and His Gospel; profound confidence and joy in the Catholic faith; an openness to the good in the world,” marked the Pope’s life.

“John Paul will be remembered as an intellectual with few rivals on the world stage -- secular or religious -- but also a man of humor, courage, warmth, simplicity and astonishing energy. He had a tremendous dedication to the dignity of the human person and the sanctity of human life. He accomplished a century of work.”

“But most of all –he added,-  he radiated hope in an age with so little of it. He was a true disciple of Jesus Christ; and in his love and service, he invited us to be the same, and ennobled us by his example. “

Karol Wojtyla “will be sorely missed for a very long time. In every sense, he was truly 'John Paul the Great',” the Archbishop concluded.