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The Week in Germany: Politics

April 8, 2005

German leaders commemorate John Paul II

German leaders this week paid tribute to the life and legacy of Pope John Paul II in comments that celebrated the late pontiff's tireless commitment to human rights and social justice.


	Schroeder: John Paul II "embodied the best traditions of the Gospel." bpa photo

"Pope John Paul II wrote history. He changed our One World through his actions and through his impressive personality," wrote German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in a condolence letter to German Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, Dean of the College of Cardinals.

"In view of the many bitter conflicts in the world, His Holiness was always aware of how difficult and at the same time how indispensable it is to strive for the ideal of universal humanity.

"He spoke out against war wherever there was a threat of war and he promoted peace and peaceful development in all parts of the world," Schroeder added. "In doing so, he embodied the best traditions of the Gospel."


	Koehler, at far left, paid his final respects to John Paul II before attending the late pontiff's Vatican funeral. dpa photo

Horst Koehler, Germany's figurehead President and head of the German delegation that attended John Paul's Vatican funeral on Friday, said: "[John Paul II's] resolute defence of human dignity and justice won him deep respect around the world.

"He was a symbol of hope many people in need and poverty. He always spoke out when he saw the values for which he stood come under threat.

"John Paul II, who spoke fluent German, always worked for the reconciliation of Poles and Germans," Koehler recalled. "We Germans will also not forget the determination, consequence and diplomatic skill with which John Paul II inspired and accompanied the freedom movement in Eastern Europe."


	Chancellor Schroeder and his wife, center, and Bundestag president Thierse, left, attended a memorial mass in Berlin. bpa photo

The Pope's steadfast commitment to advancing the cause of freedom was also remembered at an official memorial mass held Wednesday at Berlin's biggest Roman Catholic cathedral, St. John's Basilica in the western Kreuzberg district.

Over 1,000 lawmakers, church leaders and ordinary citizens packed into the church to hear prayers, music and speeches dedicated the Polish-born pontiff.

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and his wife, Doris Schroeder-Koepf, sat in the front row, as did former Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Wolfgang Thierse, president of the Bundestag lower house of parliament.

Cardinal Karl Lehmann, the head of the influential German bishops' conference, spoke at the solemn service. "Much of what [John Paul II] lamented has still yet to be resolved. We therefore ought not to forget his words," Lehmann warned.

Links:

Requiem celebrated in Berlin in honor of John Paul II (from Germany.info)

Telegram of condolence from President Horst Koehler on the death of Pope John Paul II (from Germany.info)

Letter of condolence from Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on the death of Pope John Paul II (from Germany.info)

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